2Wheeltips

In 1981, a report documenting Motorcycle Accident Cause Factors and Identification of Countermeasures was released; it is commonly known as the “Hurt” report or study.  It is named for Hugh H. Hurt, a University of Southern California professor who headed the  committee that investigated more than 900 motorcycle accidents and documented their findings.  Although many years have passed since the Hurt report was published, it is still considered to be highly relevant to today’s bikes and riders.  Here are a few of the basic findings of the Hurt report:

• Approximately 75% of the motorcycle accidents involved collisions with other vehicles, usually a passenger automobile.

• Approximately 25% of the motorcycle accidents were single vehicle accidents and involved the motorcycle colliding with the roadway or some other fixed object in the environment.

• Roadway defects such as pavement ridges, potholes, etc. were the accident cause in 2% of the accidents and animals were involved in 1%.

• The most frequent accident configuration is when a motorcycle was traveling straight and an automobile made a left turn in front of the oncoming motorcycle.

• Intersections are the most likely place for a motorcycle accident.

• Weather is not a factor in 98% of motorcycle accidents.

• Most motorcycle accidents occur during a short trip that is associated with shopping, errands, friends, entertainment or recreation and these accidents occur shortly after the trip originates.

• Lack of attention to driving is a common factor in motorcycle accidents.

• Almost 50% of the fatal motorcycle accidents show alcohol involvement.

The Hurt Report is lengthy and detailed (well over 400 pages).  Some facts seem irrefutable and others may surprise you.  You can purchase the complete report from the National Technical Information Service but this is not truly necessary since you can obtain the basic findings of the report online by searching for “Hurt Report”. 

Take some time to review the summaries of the Hurt Report; learning from the accidents of others makes us all safer riders.

Hurt Report Links

Hurt Report Summary

http://www.clarity.net/~adam/hurt-report.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hurt_Report

http://www.soundrider.com/archive/safety-skills/harry_hurt_interview.htm