Motorcycle Safety
The Hurt Report - Motorcycle Accident Cause Factors and Identification of Countermeasures
The Hurt Report, officially Motorcycle Accident Cause Factors and Identification of Countermeasures, was a motorcycle safety study conducted in the United States, initiated in 1976 and published in 1981.[1][2] The report is named after its primary author, Professor Harry Hurt.
• According to the Hurt Report, most motorcycle riders in the United States would over-brake and skid the rear wheel and under-brake the front when trying hard to avoid a collision. The ability to countersteer and swerve was essentially absent with many motorcycle operators. The often small amount of initial countersteering input required to get the bike to lean, which may be as little as 0.125 seconds, keeps many riders unaware of the concept.
• List of Findings in the Hurt Report
Crash Stats
• Search “Motorcycle” here: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration - Crash Stats
• US DOT info about Motorcycle Safety, including statistics for crashes, etc.
• US DOT Motorcycle Safety Fact Sheet
A Few National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Statistics
• In 2019, 5,014 motorcyclists were killed in traffic crashes.
• 30% of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes in 2019 were riding without valid motorcycle licenses.
• In 2019, 29% of motorcyclists who died in single-vehicle crashes were impaired.
• A DUI costs $10,000 on average, and can lead to jail time, loss of your driver’s license, and higher insurance rates.
• NHTSA-funded research has shown that people behind the wheels of passenger vehicles are distracted more than 50% of the time.
The above and more can be found here: https://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/get-materials/motorcycle-safety
Courses to Take to Become a Safer Rider
• ChampStreet - Incredible street riding course that every rider should take
• Motorcycle Safety Foundation Courses
Motorcycle Safety Foundation - Safety-focused Information for all types of riding
Motorcycle Safety Foundation Website
MSF Library - Educational Materials, including books, videos, podcasts, etc
Group Riding - MSF's Dr. Ray’s Guide to Group Riding - Free eCourse
QUICK TIPS: Guidelines For Riding With A Passenger On Your Motorcycle