Analysis of motorcyclist’s body movement during a motorcycle impact against a motor car side

The motorcyclist’s body motion following a motorcycle impact against a motor car side is determined by a system of forces and reactions acting on the rider’s body. An analysis of this motion was carried out, based on a research experiment. The related measurements and calculations were taken as a basis for an analysis of the dynamic loads; they also indicated the type and scope of the bodily injuries that may be incurred by the motorcyclist during a road accident. Based on the research experiment, the trajectory of motorcyclist’s head and torso and the course of contact between the motorcyclist’s body and the car were determined. The acceleration values having been obtained from the measurements were used for determining the displacements and changes in the angular position of motorcyclist’s head and torso. The research experiment confirmed the motorcyclist’s head to be the part of his/her body that undergoes the highest accelerations. The system of forces and reactions acting on motorcyclist’s body at the initial stage of the motion under consideration may lead to a situation dangerous to the motorcyclist where his/her head hits the edge of the car roof