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The evasive capabilities of motorcycles and riders are often an important consideration when analyzing a motorcycle crash. Specifically, the longitudinal distance or time required for a motorcycle to move laterally some distance can be of critical interest. Previous publications on this topic have not all measured the same thing and have often included limited test data so their results can be difficult to compare or apply. In addition to reviewing some of the literature on the topic, this paper will present the results of a series of tests conducted with four riders on four motorcycles swerving 2 m (6.5 ft) to their left after passing through a gate at speeds of 40 to 88 km/h (25 to 55 mi/h). The most recent testing involved relatively skilled riders who had faster transitions and greater willingness to lean than the “average” rider generally described in the literature.

During wet weather operating conditions, tire hydroplaning can occur, potentially altering the handling characteristics of a vehicle. The rear tires of the vehicle run in a path previously cleared by the front tires under some operating conditions. Although path clearing has been previously demonstrated both analytically and qualitatively, it is difficult to estimate the changes in the tire/road coefficient of friction resulting from path clearing because of the complexity of the hydroplaning flow regime. In the present work, we utilize wheelspeed information captured from the vehicle CAN bus and photography to examine potential variations in tire/road coefficient of friction that result from path clearing. Results suggest that differences in friction availability may result from such path clearing. Maneuvers performed include steady-state cornering tests, straight-line braking and ISO lane change maneuvers.

Vehicles often rotate during traffic collisions due to impact forces or excessive steering maneuvers. In analyzing these situations, accident reconstructionists need to apply accurate deceleration rates for vehicles that are both rotating and translating to a final resting position. Determining a proper rate of deceleration is a challenging but critical step in calculating energy or momentum-based solutions for analytical purposes. In this research, multiple empirical tests were performed using an instrumented vehicle that was subjected to induced rotational maneuvers. A Ford Crown Victoria passenger car was equipped with a modified brake system where selected wheels could be isolated. The tests were performed on a dry asphalt surface at speeds of approximately 50 mph. In each of the tests, the vehicle rotated approximately 180 degrees with the wheels on one side being completely locked.

The importance of friction applications in the field of collision reconstruction is well recognized in published research. However, tire-road frictional drag values (μ-values) are partially dependent on the surface on which the tire is travelling. One such variable may be the intentional presence of sand upon a particular roadway. Sand is sometimes applied to dry pavement in an effort to absorb liquid debris that may have been accidentally spilled onto the surface. Once the sand has been applied, it may be left for a measureable time until the fluid has been absorbed. If a collision were to occur on that particular surface while the sand is in place, it may be difficult to determine an appropriate μ-value for the given scenario. In an attempt to examine the extent of friction reduction for both a passenger vehicle and a commercial truck on such a surface, testing was performed in a like condition.

An experimental program to measure braking characteristics developed under emergency braking conditions by ABS-equipped vehicles was designed and performed. Variables examined included initial braking speed, vehicle type, tire pressure and data recording equipment utilized. All experiments were conducted on a closed airport taxiway constructed of sharp, brushed and heavily striated concrete. Tests were conducted with and without activated ABS systems on the test vehicles. Results showed that (1) with the ABS activated, faint roadway markings were visible only under a very few special circumstances, (2) tire/road μ-values and corresponding deceleration values varied only slightly for differing speeds and ABS conditions, (3) tire pressure made little difference in limited test results, and (4) there were differences in recorded results depending on the equipment used for data acquisition.