Nitrogen is already abundant in the air we breathe (about 78%) with Oxygen making up most of the rest (about 21%). However, there are several other components including Argon (1%) and Carbon Dioxide (.03%) and trace amounts (measured in parts per million) of others including Neon, Methane, Helium, Sulfur Dioxide, Nitrous Oxide, Ozone, and Xenon.

Nitrogen reduces permeation

Oxygen permeates through the rubber walls of tires 3-4 times faster than Nitrogen. The water vapor contained in air migrates through the tire wall at a rate of up to 250 times faster than Nitrogen resulting in pressure losses that can be up to 1 pound or more per month. Over time these losses add up and can cause handling and steering difficulty and can lead to premature wear and catastrophic tire failure – which can result in injury or death. In fact, it’s reported that the number one reason for tire blowouts is underinflated tires.

As a side note: Regular visual checks of tires for cracks and other damage is a terrific practice. However, using visual checks to evaluate pressure is a dangerous and worthless practice. Motorcycle tires can be up to 50% underinflated and still appear to be normal. The only proper way to check for proper pressure is to use a quality gauge.

Nitrogen provides a safer alternative and improves fuel economy.

The average vehicle will see a 4% mile per gallon improvement when inflated with Nitrogen and Nitrogen extends tire life by helping to maintain proper tire pressure thus insuring optimum tire wear. While Nitrogen will help maintain proper tire pressure, you still need to check your tires on a regular basis.

78% Nitrogen (which is already in the air in your tires) – is not enough.

Actually, the important part is getting the moisture and Oxygen out. The air in your tires is full of moisture, which along with oxygen can accelerate the damaging effects of corrosion and oxidation. Because Nitrogen is inert and dry, it helps prevent oxidation of rubber, rims, TPMS sensors and valve stems.

Switching to Nitrogen is easier and cheaper than you might think.

Many dealers will fill your tires with Nitrogen for free (including free refills) if you buy the tires from them. Otherwise the cost can range from $3 to $20 depending on location.

Related Link  GetNitrogen.org

The Motorcycle Association Of New York State (MANYS) previously ran the program from 1998 to December of 2008. The current program was started in 1997, when the New York State Legislature established the Motorcycle Safety Fund to finance a statewide motorcycle operator and instructor training program. Over the last 5 years nearly 70,000 motorcyclists have received training.

Visit the NYS DMV Website or the  Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Website

Related Link: NYS Audit Report 2007-R-3

The new law prevents the sale of all products for children ages 12 and under that contains lead over specified limits. The new law will hurt all ages of riders of some widely popular motorcycles, motocross and mini-bikes because they now won’t be able to get new equipment or repair the machines they have.

The new law, which is widely recognized as being well intentioned, is now being criticized as being too far reaching and lacking common sense. For example, according to Paul Vitrano, executive vice president and general counsel, Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA) – “Some ATV and motorcycle parts unavoidably contain small quantities of lead,” … “Lead in these components is necessary, either for safety, as in the case of facilitating the machining of tire valves, critical to assuring tire air retention, or for functionality, such as the lead in battery terminals, which is needed to conduct electricity.”

On January 28th, 2009 the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC), a not-for-profit industry association representing about 300 motorcycle and scooter manufacturers and distributors, requested immediate relief from the new law.

In the petition, the MIC stated “through this petition, MIC joins some of its member companies in seeking emergency relief, in the form of a temporary final rule, granting a temporary exclusion from the lead limits for certain lead-containing materials…” The MIC is hoping to gain some time to allow the industry to review the feedback and impacts of the new law.

Read the contents of the Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) Petition. (PDF)

Read the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) – General Council’s Response. (PDF)

Contact Information for the CPSC:

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
4330 East West Highway
Bethesda, MD 20814

Headquarters
General Information: (301) 504-7923 M-F 8:00 am – 4:30 pm ET
Fax: (301) 504-0124 and (301) 504-0025
E-mail: Contact Form

Related Links:

Motorcycle Industry Council Letter to the CPSC.

CPSC response to the Motorcycle Industry Council.

The studies found Insurance losses are “21 percent lower, and fatal crash rates are reduced 38 percent for motorcycles with antilock brakes compared to those without”.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety “The importance of equipping bikes with antilocks increases as motorcycling proliferates. Motorcycle sales more than tripled from 1997 to 2005. Deaths of motorcyclists have more than doubled since 1997, with some kinds of bikes having much higher death rates than others (see Status Report, Sept. 11, 2007; on the web at iihs.org). About 5,000 motorcyclists died in crashes last year.

The new study of fatal motorcycle crashes was conducted by Institute researchers,
while the analysis of insurance claims is by researchers at the affiliated Highway Loss
Data Institute (HLDI). Adrian Lund is president of both organizations”.

“Even though adding antilocks won’t make motorcycling as safe as going by car, it’s something manufacturers can do to reduce the risk of traveling on 2 wheels instead of 4,” Lund says. “It’s a way to reduce the chances of overturning a bike and crashing, so it can save lives among people who choose motorcycles for their basic transportation, to save on gasoline, or just for fun.”

When antilocks are needed: Stopping a motorcycle is trickier than stopping a car. For one thing, front and rear wheels typically have separate brake controls. Both under braking and over braking the front and rear wheels contribute to crashes (see Status Report, June 21, 1979). In an emergency, a rider faces a split-second choice to brake hard, which can lock the wheels and cause a motorcycle to overturn, or to hold back on the brakes and risk running headlong into the emergency. This is when antilocks can help. They reduce brake pressure when they detect impending lockup and about to be struck from behind, for example. But the new studies indicate that antilocks reduce crashes overall and save lives.

Crash reduction benefit: The HLDI study compares insurance losses under collision coverage for 12 motorcycle models with optional antilock brakes versus the same models without this option. The researchers evaluated the effects of antilock brakes on both the frequency of insurance claims that are filed for crash damage and the average cost of the damage, after accounting for rider age and gender, motorcycle age, and other factors that influence the likelihood of a crash”.

Visit the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety website to read full article.

Sources:

HLDI bulletin (PDF): Motorcycle Antilock Braking System (ABS)

Research paper (PDF): Effectiveness of antilock braking systems in reducing fatal motorcycle crashes

AUSTIN –  With gas prices topping $4.00 per gallon, more and more Texans are trading their gas-guzzling SUVs and pickup trucks for more fuel-efficient motorcycles to save at the pump. More motorcycles on the road means more motorcyclists may crash and ultimately die on Texas roadways. That’s why the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is launching a motorcycle safety campaign encouraging drivers to take extra caution watching for motorcyclists on roadways.

Because they have less physical protection than passenger vehicle occupants, riders are particularly vulnerable in a crash. Federal officials report that per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclists are about 35 times more likely to die in a crash than passenger vehicle occupants.

“Registered motorcycles are at an all-time high in Texas,” said Carlos Lopez, TxDOT’s traffic operations director. “We’re reminding drivers to be on the lookout for the nearly 400,000 motorcyclists on Texas roadways, especially at intersections where many crashes happen.”

Starting July 14, television and radio commercials and billboards along interstate highways will urge drivers to look twice for motorcyclists. The public education initiative will run for two weeks, coinciding with National Ride to Work Day on July 16.

Co-sponsoring the effort is the Texas Motorcycle Roadriders Association, which educates riders and promotes motorcycle safety in Texas.

TxDOT and the Texas Motorcycle Roadriders Association have these safety tips for sharing the road with motorcyclists:

* Look twice for motorcyclists—at intersections, entering highways and whenever turning or changing lanes. The small size of motorcycles often makes them hard to see, and motorcyclists can get lost in blind spots.
* Always maintain a safe following distance. Motorcycles can stop more quickly than passenger vehicles.
* When passing a motorcyclist, move to the other lane and allow a full lane for the motorcycle. After doing so, avoid re-entering the lane too quickly.

In 2006, 346 motorcyclists were killed on Texas roads, which is nearly ten percent of all fatalities.

Source: Texas Department of Transportation

For more information contact: Mark Cross
Telephone: (512) 463-8588

The Florida Rider Training Program (FRTP) uses curriculum developed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. The FRTP Course provides an “introduction to the fundamentals of safe, responsible motorcycling. This includes the knowledge and skills necessary to ride safely on the streets and highways”.

The motorcycle rider courses are designed to teach and improve skills and activities such as:

- effective turning
- braking maneuvers
- protective apparel selection
- obstacle avoidance
- traffic strategies
- responsible attitudes

Upon successful completion of the course, riders may be entitled to insurance premium discounts through participating insurance companies.

Related Links:

Florida Rider Training Program Homepage

List of Course Sponsors

Article Source:

Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles

Even after accounting for increases in motorcycle registrations that occurred during this period, study authors noted a 32 percent increase in head injury deaths and a 42 percent increase in head injury-related hospitalizations, raising concerns about motorcyclists’ safety and the impact of this trend on health care costs.

Pennsylvania repealed its universal motorcycle helmet law in 2003. Under the current law, only motorcyclists under 21 and riders with less than two years experience who have not taken a safety course are required to wear helmets.

Study authors analyzed data from Pennsylvania’s departments of Health and Transportation during the years 2001-2002 and 2004-2005. They found helmet use by motorcyclists involved in reported crashes decreased from 82 percent to 58 percent in the two years after repeal. The authors also looked at data from head injury and non-head injury deaths to determine specifically how many deaths were caused by not wearing helmets. They found the registration-adjusted head injury death rate increased by 32 percent, whereas the non-head injury death rate did not change.

“Our study shows that since the repeal of Pennsylvania’s motorcycle helmet law, helmet use has gone down, while head injuries from motorcycle crashes have gone up, even after increased motorcycle registration,” said Kristen Mertz, M.D., M.P.H., study lead author and assistant professor, Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health. “We looked at both head injuries and non-head injuries to get a clearer picture of the impact of the helmet law repeal. The relatively large increase in head injury deaths and hospitalizations after the repeal suggests that the law was protecting riders.”

The study authors looked at hospitalizations per 10,000 registrations from motorcycle crashes by examining discharge data compiled from all acute care hospitals in the state. They found an increase of 42 percent in the head injury hospitalization rate and a 2 percent increase in the non-head injury hospitalization rate. The number of head-injured, hospitalized motorcyclists requiring further care at facilities specializing in rehabilitation and long-term care increased 87 percent after the repeal, and increased 16 percent for non-head injured motorcyclists.

Total acute care hospital charges stemming from motorcycle-related head injuries increased 132 percent in the two years following repeal compared to 69 percent for non-head injuries.

“Our findings strengthen the argument for more comprehensive helmet laws that help protect riders and lower the cost of health care,” said Hank Weiss, Ph.D., M.P.H., study co-author and associate professor, Department of Neurological Surgery, Center for Injury Research and Control, University of Pittsburgh. “Serious head injuries, causing anything from short-term memory loss, inability to concentrate to coma and death, can severely impact quality of life and affect not just those injured, but their families as well. Until a universal helmet law is reinstated, Pennsylvania needs effective voluntary strategies to increase helmet use.”

Motorcycle helmet laws have weakened nationwide since 1975, when the federal government stopped withholding highway money from states without such regulations. Only 20 states now have laws that require all riders to wear helmets.

The study was supported in part by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.

Article Source: eurekalert.org

Related Link: American Journal Of Public Health

By: Pete Crusoe

For decades, industry experts have been telling us what we already know: motorists don’t see motorcycles and even when they do, they often can’t judge motorcycle speed and distance correctly. All too often, the result is fatal.

More bikes are on the road and drivers are getting older…

Every year the number of motorcycles on the road increases. At the same time, the driving population in general is getting older. According to the Motorcycle Industry Council, U.S. motorcycle sales have increased steadily for the past 14 years. In 1992, sales were about 250,000 units. In 2006, motorcycle sales were over one million. At the same time, the average age of motorcycle drivers has increased from 24 years old in 1980 to an average of 41 years old today. Currently there are almost 19 million drivers licensed in the U.S. that are 70 or older. By, 2020 it is estimated there will be more than 30 million drivers over the age of 70.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation reports that the primary traffic violation committed by drivers aged 50 and over is “failure to observe the right of way”. For older drivers, it is well known that as we age our depth perception is reduced, peripheral vision deteriorates, and reaction time becomes slower. Also, let’s not forget the new drivers; Studies have shown that young drivers take a long time to develop and hone their “information gathering” and response skills.

So, what does any of this have to do with headlight modulators?

Well, for starters when a motorcycle is the victim in an accident with a motor vehicle – the number one reason given by the driver is that they didn’t see the motorcycle and as stated above, the leading cause of these accidents is failure to yield the right of way.

Motorcyclists have become invisible again:

One of the problems facing motorcyclists today is they no longer have the advantage of standing out in the crowd through the use of “always on” headlights. Now that most motor vehicles currently on the road are equipped with Daytime Running Lamps (DRL’s), motorcyclists have been thrust back to invisibility.

Some motorists may be slightly annoyed – but, they’ll know you’re there!

From the motorist’s point of view, a headlight modulator on high beam pulsating in the rearview mirror may be annoying. However, in these situations the modulator can be run on low beam or shut off when stuck in traffic. In any case, the goal here is safety and headlight modulators will get you noticed.

In addition, the argument that “there are no definitive studies that prove headlight modulators reduce accidents” is certainly countered by the fact that both the U.S. and Canada have legalized their use. Obviously, these governments must have been convinced of their value.

Summary:

So, as our roads become more congested and motorist still can’t see us, and we can’t react as quickly as we once could, but we want to keep doing we what enjoy – then, there’s only one option: Change the variables!

It is our responsibility to do what we can to insure our safety on the road. Wearing high visibility clothing, proper riding gear, attending driver training courses, and compensating for our changing abilities are all requirements for safe riding. Modern headlight modulators offer motorcyclists the opportunity to once again be seen and should be seriously considered as a valuable component in the mix.

Sources, Technical Information and Facts:

Headlight Modultors are legal for use in all 50 states.

- The use of Headlight modulators is governed by Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49CFR), specifically, 49CFR Section 571.108, paragraph S7.9.4, entitled “Motorcycle Headlamp Modulation System”. Click Here to read the full text.

- Also Title 49, US Code, Chapter 301 (Motor Vehicle Safety) explains that states may not prescribe a safety regulation that differs from a motor vehicle safety standard prescribed under this section…except they may impose a higher standard of performance. Click here to read the full text.

Headlight modulators work by varying the power at a specific rate of speed. (50-70% max power and not less than 17% of max for each cycle and rate is 240cpm +-40). Accordingly, since the light never shuts off, it does not flash but pulsates.

It is a common belief that headlight modulators will burn out the bulbs more frequently. Actually, since the average power applied to the bulb filament is lower, it would stand to reason that the modulator would effectively extend the lifetime of the bulb. Moreover, even if it were true – bulbs are not that expensive.

It is also a common belief that headlight modulators will keep animals from running into the path of your motorcycle. Sorry, but you’re still going to have to rely on your good judgment and skills in this area. While some studies show that some animals are effected by daytime running lamps, there is no evidence to suggest that headlight modulators are more are less effective than any other light or device at deterring animals from crossing your path.

Headlight modulator resources:

Comagination
Kisantech
Diamond Star
Amperite

Article Sources:

Motorcycles.org
California Dept of Motor Vehicles
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
SmartRider Motorcycle Safety Program Inc.

Article updated 4/08

MILWAUKEE (March 27, 2008) – As the motorcycle riding season gets fired up around the country, now is the time to make sure helmets are ready for riding. During April’s “Check Your Helmet Month” and throughout the year, motorcycle enthusiasts are reminded to follow a few simple rules to make sure their helmets are ready for summer riding:

Fit is vital – a helmet must fit properly to be effective, and not all helmets fit the same. A good fitting helmet should rest one inch above your eyebrows and shouldn’t roll forward or sideways on your head. To ensure a comfortable fit, wear a helmet for 15 minutes before making a final buying decision.

They don’t last forever – manufacturers and the SNELL Foundation recommend helmets be replaced every three to five years, depending on use. Glues, resins and other helmet materials break down over time and can make a helmet less effective. Every new Harley-Davidson helmet comes with a “purchased on date” sticker that can be placed under the comfort liner for a quick reference.

Keep it clean – a clean and well cared for helmet will protect better and longer. Use a mild soap to wash the outer shell and internal liners. Never use solvents or chemicals for cleaning as they can destroy protective coatings.

Mirrors are not hangers – hanging a helmet on a motorcycle’s mirror can damage the impact absorbing liner inside.

A Helmet Designed for Women
Harley-Davidson recently released the Skyline Helmet, the first and only helmet designed specifically for ladies who love to ride. The Skyline has a deeper cavity to provide a better fit, 3D-type comfort padding with removable and interchangeable pads for a custom fit, a notch for a pony-tail and an anti-static liner to keep hair smooth.

Who to Ask?
Harley-Davidson dealers can work to find the right helmet and fit for every rider. Harley-Davidson carries a range of helmet styles including half, three-quarter, full-face and modular helmets, and dealers can provide even more detail with “The Heads-Up on Helmets” brochure.

In addition to the information provided by MotorClothes Specialists at local dealerships, consumers can visit www.harley-davidson.com for detailed information about helmet styles, components, fit, care and replacement, as well as check out the selection of helmets offered by Harley-Davidson.

Harley-Davidson Motor Company, the only major U.S.-based motorcycle manufacturer, produces heavyweight motorcycles and a complete line of motorcycle parts, accessories and general merchandise. For more information, visit Harley-Davidson’s Web site at www.harley-davidson.com.

Related Link: www.harley-davidson.com/helmets

The new helmet, called the Wireless Impact Guardian (WIG) is designed to call rescue services if the wearer is left unconscious or has lost use of their arms, legs, or neck due to injuries sustained in an accident.This revolutionary concept is redefining helmet safety and adds an important function, which extends the helmet’s usefulness by providing help beyond the impact.

The system is activated when the helmet is buckled on. According to the helmet’s designer, when the “high g” sensors detect traumatic deceleration the helmet will beep for about a minute. If the user does not deactivate the unit within that time, the helmet will use a cellular network to call emergency services.

Included with the message will be a GPS location giving the geographical coordinates so the emergency responders know precisely where the rider is located. While Spencer continues to refine and improve the WIG design, he is also working out the details for product development and marketing. The price for a WIG-enabled helmet is estimated to be about $50-60 more than the price of a normal helmet.

Related Links:
UMASS Amherst – Article

Click here to view the report in PDF format

Click here to view the report in Excel

UK – The Department For Transport (DFT) has released the 2007 Compendium of Motorcycle Statistics. The report provides detailed information in several areas including, motorcycle ownership and training, journeys made – their number and purpose, and motorcycling safety which includes statistics on road accidents involving motorcycles, and the associated casualties. Below is a brief summary of the report.

Motorcycling Safety¹
The motorcycling safety report section shows that, contrary to popular belief, speeding was not the major contributing factor in motorcycle accidents. Overall, speeding was blamed just 4% of the time.

“Failure to look properly” was the largest contributor and was indicated as the cause in 15% of motorcycle accidents overall. “Loss of Control” was the number one contributing factor for motorcycles over 500cc, accounting for 17% of the accidents recorded.

Of the 11 contributing factors listed on the report, “Speeding” and “Following too close” were at the bottom, both were indicated only 4% of the time. See chart below.

The report also showed that motorcyclist still have a relative risk of being killed or seriously injured, that is 51 times higher than that of car drivers. However, the casualty rate has improved significantly. Overall, the rate was 27% lower in 2006 than it was in 1994.

Motorcycle Journeys:

- Motorcycle traffic has increased by an estimated 37% between 1996 and 2006.
- Motorcycles traveled around 5.2 billion kilometers in 2006.
- Motorcyclists made fewer trips a week on average in 2006 than they did in 1985-1986. However, the distance traveled and the time spent traveling on those trips has increased over the same period.

Source:

UK Department For Transport

Photo courtesy of Driving Standards Agency.

Secretary Peters – an avid motorcyclist – also released a television public service announcement where she credits her riding gear for saving her life during a 2005 motorcycle crash.

“Take it from a motorcycle enthusiast who also happens to be the U.S. Secretary of Transportation,” Secretary Peters says in the PSA. “Check your bike before each ride, wear all your safety equipment and ride with others so you’re more visible. If I hadn’t taken those safety precautions, I wouldn’t be standing here today.”

Peters said the motorcycle safety initiative will create new national safety and training standards for novice riders, curb counterfeit helmet labeling so that consumers can be certain they are buying DOT-certified helmets, place new focus on motorcycle-specific road improvements, and provide training to law enforcement officers on how to spot unsafe motorcyclists. In addition, Peters said, the plan includes a broad public awareness campaign – including the PSA – on safe riding techniques.

Secretary Peters said she is one of the many “baby-boomers” who have recently returned to riding after years of shelving their bikes in lieu of family and careers. In August 2005, she suffered a broken collar bone after a crash on a two-lane highway just north of Tucson, Arizona.

Source:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)