Airbag jackets: More protection for bikers
SAFETY While the general trend in traffic fatalities is downward, bikers are not benefiting. They continue to live particularly dangerous lives. Special clothing can prevent the worst. In terms of kilometers driven, the risk of a biker being killed in road traffic is higher than that of a car driver. According to the Insurers Accident Research, this is [...]
In terms of kilometers driven, the risk of a biker being killed in road traffic is higher than that of a car driver. According to the insurers' accident research, this is also due to the low effectiveness of protective clothing. This has been shown by an evaluation of accident injuries and simulations.
Injuries to the head and chest
In fatal accidents, bikers are seriously injured, especially in the chest and head area. According to the new study, standard jackets and pants with protectors are effective in preventing a fall onto the road without a prior collision, but they can no longer reliably prevent life-threatening injuries when hitting an obstacle at speeds of 25 km/h and above.
The airbag jackets, which are still not very widespread, shift the danger to about 50 km/h.
Different fall risks
As part of its study, the UDV also examined for the first time the different risk of falling on solo and group rides. While collisions with cars and trucks at intersections and junctions are a frequent accident scenario on solo tours, it is collisions with each other or even with oncoming bikers on group rides that are the main cause. The main reason is usually the insufficient safety distance.
