.jpg)
A new motorcycle crash study will look at causes and prevention of wrecks
A long-anticipated motorcycle crash study can achieve statistically valid results reviewing only 700 to 750 crashes, according to the head researcher on the project.
"To make a long story short, we believe that something on the order of 700 to 750 investigations will be sufficient from a statistical point of view," said Dr. Samir Ahmed, professor at Oklahoma State University, where the data gathered in the study will be analyzed, by telephone yesterday.
This assessment may be critical in the progress of the study because various motorcycle industry groups had decided to withhold money they raised for the study when it appeared to them that the research would not cover enough crashes to be statistically valid. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) stated at the time that "MSF must continue to make its commitment of funds contingent upon a sample size of at least 900 cases."
Federal funding or $3 million has been committed for the study and the American Motorcyclist Association has put up another $100,000. The MSF and the Motorcycle Industry Council have another $3 million that could be used. According to Dr. Ahmed, studying 700 crashes would cost around $6.375 million, while studying 750 crashes would cost around $6.706 million. Collecting the remaining amount between what is available and what the study would cost is "manageable," said Dr. Ahmed.
Dr. Ahmed and his colleagues conducted a statistical analysis to determine the number of crashes that would need to be studied to achieve statistically significant results, and thereby meet the MSF's concerns, if not the specific number. That analysis was completed in December and the results were shared with all members of the study's working group, which includes the MSF.
Previous to the working group's webinar meeting on Dec. 8, MSF President Tim Buche said "We're open to learning more" and if new information suggests a statistically valid study can be conducted with fewer than 900 crashes studied, that information will be presented to the MSF board. Reconsideration of the funding decision would then "depend on the quality of the work and the rationale."
The MSF has not yet issued any statements on its review of the material Dr. Ahmed presented to the working group.
Related articles
New motorcycle safety study in pilot stage
New motorcycle safety study: Valid number of crashes to study is unknown
Some particulars clear, others still unclear in new motorcycle safety study
Motorcycle Safety Foundation open to reconsidering safety study funding
Analysis says valid motorcycle crash data achievable with available funding
Rationale of motorcycle crash study statistical analysis explained
MSF funding for crash study still looks like a no-go
MSF's motorcycle crash study reluctance challenged
MSF, VTTI to conduct 'naturalistic' motorcycle safety study
Motorcycle crash study will proceed without MSF money
MSF President Tim Buche discusses motorcycle safety studies
Check out the latest articles from other Motorcycle Examiners:
- Outlaw Bikers, Inside the Outlaws, on the National Geographic Channel - Shreveport Motorcycle Travel Examiner
- The ultimate biker wish list - create it at Wists.com - Fort Collins Motorcycle Travel Examiner, Abby Clabough
- DC Motorcycle Travel Examiner year in review 2009 - DC Motorcycle Travel Examiner, Mark Poesch
- Motorcycle 101: 5-hour ENERGY drinks, do they work? - Baltimore Motorcycle Travel Examiner, Tom Bachur
- Twenty best motorcycle roads in Washington - No. 19 - Seattle Motorcycle Travel Examiner, David Heiniger
- The vintage project part 7 - soda blasting the tins and tank prep - National Motorcycle Travel Examiner, Patty Davis
- Riding to Sphinx Park, CO via Foxton Rd (with link to AJ Butler's Zoka posting) - Colorado Motorcycle Travel Examiner, Dom Chang
- Zoka's Restaurant and Bar in Pine Colorado gets ready for Santa - Colorado Springs Motorcycle Travel Examiner - AJ Butler
- Pikes Peak International Raceway - Colorado Springs Motorcycle Examiner - Brian Butler
- Cycle World international motorcycle show - Dallas Motorcycle Travel Examiner - Vernon Klein
Comments
From my statistical expert, he says 700-750 should give a good sampling.
I'll just be happy to see a new study.
The results of the study probably won't tell us anything we don't already know.
What will save millions dollars is when idiots who think riding without head protection is cool and start wearing DOT or better helmets.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!