Safer doesn't necessarily mean slower when it comes to road safety

Washington, Dec 1 (ANI): A new British research has shown that safer doesn't necessarily mean slower and formal advanced training for bikers can demonstrate improved safety on our roads.

The aim of the study, carried out by researchers at the Centre for Motorcycle Ergonomics and Rider Human Factors at the University of Nottingham, was to investigate the attitudes, behaviours and skills of different types of riders according to their level of experience and training.

A unique approach was designed to find out whether or not riders with advanced training, ride differently to novice or experienced riders who don't have an advanced qualification.

The simulator uses a Triumph Daytona 675 motorcycle mounted on a custom rig designed and built at the University. It creates a realistic, interactive, research tool using 'STI-SIM Drive' simulation software which projects different riding scenarios onto a large screen in front of the rider.

Three groups of riders were put through identical scenarios on the simulator as well as other tasks in the laboratory to test aspects of their hazard perception and behaviour.

The findings showed that experience on its own does not make riders safer on the road and in some cases the experienced riders behaved more like the novice riders.

"This is one of the most in-depth studies of its kind ever conducted. It has demonstrated clear differences between the rider groups and potential benefits to advanced training above and beyond rider experience and basic training," said Alex Stedmon from the Human Factors Research Group.

"Whilst experience seems to help develop rider skills to an extent, advanced training appears to develop deeper levels of awareness, perception and responsibility. It also appears to make riders better urban riders and quicker, smoother and safer riders in rural settings," he added.

"We were pleased to learn that advanced riders trained by us adopted the safest road position to deal with hazards while still managing to achieve the quickest time through bends," said Neil Greig, Director of Policy and Research at the Institute for Advanced Motorists (IAM).

"This research proves that the organisation's advanced system of motorcycle training delivers real and sustainable benefits in anticipation, better road positioning and swift but safe progress in a wide range of road environments," he added.

The IAM has published the preliminary results of the research. (ANI)