Methodology for determining motorcycle operator crash risk and alcohol impairment. Volume 1, Synthesis report on alternative approaches with priorities for research

NHTSA - Behavioral Safety Researchhttps://doi.org/10.21949/15255592007PDFResearch PaperVoas, Robert B.McKnight, A. JamesThom, David R.Smith, Terry A.Hurt, Hugh H.Waller, Patricia F.Zellner, John W.Pacific Institute for Research and EvaluationUnited States. National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationUnited States. National Highway Traffic Safety AdministrationUnited StatesMotorcyclesMotorcycle accidentsDrunk drivingBlood alcohol levelsData collectionAccident risk forecastingResearchStudiesDOT-HS-810-761NTIS-PB2007110800DTNH22-01-C-05162Levy, MarvinFinal reportAlcohol-involvement continues to be a prominent factor in motorcycle crashes. Automobile-driver drinking and driving has been researched extensively, and the relationship between drivers' blood alcohol concentrations (BAC) and crash risk is well-understood. Unfortunately, our current understanding of the effects of BAC on motorcycle operation is insufficient. This project examined a variety of approaches by which the effects of alcohol on motorcycle rider impairment and crash risk can be measured. A two-volume report was prepared. This is Vol. I: Synthesis Report on Alternative Approaches with Priorities for Research. Various research methods were reviewed in the literature (see Volume II, Literature Review), and an expert panel was convened for detailed discussion and prioritizing of possible methods. Different methods were grouped by assessed scientific value and estimated cost. Generally, it was determined that methods using existing data would be the lowest cost, but would also have the lowest scientific value. Conversely, the best data will come from new, more detailed data collection methods specifically defining the population-at-risk. Methods examined include \u201cfield\u201d studies that collect actual highway data, and \u201csimulator\u201d or \u201cclosed course\u201d studies that collect data in a controlled setting. Priorities for future research were assigned to each methodology. The highest priority methodologies were assigned to \u201cContemporary Case Control,\u201d Simulation and Induced Exposure studies. Vol. II: Literature Review Report reviewed: (1) past research on impaired motorcycle operation; (2) past research methodologies used to understand alcohol\u2019s effects on human performance, including laboratory simulation, closed-course operation, self-report surveys, crash investigation and analysis of archival crash data; and (3) methodologies used to measure exposure in populations-atrisk, including roadside surveys. The literature review revealed a dearth of research on impaired motorcycle operation. In addition, an in-house study of fatal motorcycle crashes was conducted and discussed in this report. /Abstract from report summary page/129