Motorcycle Crash Blackspot Treatments
A blackspot is a location on the road network where crashes are concentrated. Blackspot programs involve a systematic process of identifying high-risk sites, the factors contributing to crashes at those sites and developing and implementing cost-effective solutions. Treatments of crash blackspots have been demonstrated to be highly effective in reducing road trauma for all vehicles, with benefits considerably greater than their costs. Well-designed blackspot programs can prevent at least 2 fatalities per year per $AUD10 million invested, with a lifetime of between 15 and 25 years depending on the type of treatment (Vulcan & Corben, 1998). The extent to which motorcycle riders benefit from overall blackspot programs has not been investigated to date.
Preliminary analysis of the first 20 treated locations showed a 58 per cent reduction in motorcycle injury crashes and an 80 per cent reduction in serious or fatal motorcycle crashes in the first 12 months. It has three components, involving road treatments; at blackspots or blacklengths with high rates of motorcycle loss-of-control crashes, at intersections with high rates of motorcycle crashes, and along popular motorcycle routes to improve the consistency of the road environment for motorcyclists.
Longer-term analyses should provide better information on crash savings and provide guidance on which types of treatments are effective in reducing crashes and crash severity.
See also: Motorcycle blackspot treatments case study
Information sourced from A review of potential countermeasures for motorcycle and scooter safety across APEC (Full report and References [PDF, 304KB]). |
