ENHANCED MOTORCYCLE NOTICEABILITY THROUGH DAYTIME USE OF VISUAL SIGNAL WARNING DEVICES

Abstract

Several studies were conducted to evaluate commercially available visual signal warning devices as a means of improving the noticeability of motorcycles and riders during daylight conditions. Active lighting systems including revolving lights, prisms, reflectors, and strobes were analyzed. Field data were obtained by mounting a test device on the motorcycle's front fender and then interviewing motorists who passed the motorcycle as it attempted to enter traffic from a side street intersection. Results indicated only 15 to 25% of motorists noticed the motorcycle without a device and that a small, low intensity device on the fender was of no value in improving comspicuity. Two larger, higher intensity devices were selected for subsequent field study, and noticeability was improved over 300% when using either device. /Author/