Factors and status of motorcycle airbag feasibility research

A review, analysis and enumeration are presented of factors relevant to motorcycle airbag feasibility research. This includes: an update of the status of related research in the motorcycle airbag feasibility field; relevant experience and factors from the car airbag field; additional unique factors and considerations for motorcycles; and the potential need to address motorcyclist out-of-position riding; other sizes of riders; motorcycle seating layout variation; resistance to and consequences of unintended deployment on a motorcyclist; neck injury criteria and dummy neck biofidelity; injury risk-benefit considerations; environmental exposure on motorcycles; and discussion of feasibility definition and factors. Also discussed are the use of component tests, sled tests, full-scale impact tests and computer simulation as evaluation tools; and the relationship of such airbag factors to the existing International Standard ISO 13232, which currently primarily addresses test and analysis procedures for research evaluation of fixed devices fitted to motorcycles intended to protect the rider. An enumeration of related references and potentially related car standards are provided.