A Motorcycle Safety and Transport Policy Framework
Summary
In January 2015, Computer Generated Imagery (CGI) clips replaced traditional filmed images. This allows for much more scope to cover hazards which would have been too dangerous to film.
We believe that the top causation factors of accidents for all road users should be considered and clips developed to demonstrate this. Further to our call for a multi-mode theory test, this would further test a road users understanding of the needs and vulnerabilities of all modes.
Description
As described in Action 2, this framework document is calling for a single theory test which is not mode specific. It doesn’t matter what vehicle a person is looking to drive, they need to be aware of the general rules of road use. They should also be considerate of all road users and have a general understanding of their vulnerabilities.
The introduction of CGI hazard perception clips offers a great deal of flexibility. Hazards experienced by all modes can be highlighted within these clips and will ensure that road users develop a level of understanding.
The 2015 Reported Road Casualties Great Britain report, showed 58% of the accidents attributed to the injured or killed pedestrian was due to their failure to look properly5.
An idea of a hazard perception clip which could demonstrate this and be particularly relevant would be a teenage pedestrian walking on the pavement clearly wearing headphones and playing on a mobile phone. The pedestrian could be approaching a road he/she intends to cross while a car is also looking to turn into the road. The candidate would be expected to recognise the hazard of the pedestrian not paying attention to the car who has right of way.
Another example which would be intelligence led would be related to the top causes of motorcycle accidents as reported in the MAIDS report. MAIDS is the most comprehensive indepth data currently available for Powered Two-Wheelers (PTWs) accidents in Europe.
This study reported that the most frequent cause of collisions involving motorcycle riders is perception failure by other drivers, as shown by the graph below. In such instances, the best vehicle technology in the world will not prevent the collision if the rider or driver has not perceived the relevant hazards and therefore make no attempt to avoid or mitigate the situation being faced.
Causes of Collisions PTW Rider v Other Vehicle Driver
(Source: MAIDS – EU/ACEM)
In order to ensure that all road users are considerate of the vulnerabilities of motorcyclists, a clip or range of clips can be created to demonstrate this.
Next Steps
- The latest Reported Road Casualties Great Britain document will be analysed to highlight the main causes of accidents for all road users.
- Storyboards will be created to highlight the hazards from number of perspectives
- DVSA commitment will be sought to create and implement the new range of hazard perception clips.
- Highways England have recently conducted a customer survey specifically for motorcyclists using their road network, the results of which will provide further insight and should be used to inform this action
Progress
UPDATE – Action 3 – Amend the Hazard Perception Test to Include Specific Collision Causes
There is currently no progress regarding this action.
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5 Reported Road Casualties Great Britain 2015, Table RAS5004 Reported Road Casualties Great Britain 2015, table RAS3026, https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/reported-road-casualties-in-great-britain-main-results-2015