Daytime Motorcycle Headlight and Taillight Operation

摘要

A study was made to evaluate the effect of the daytime use of motorcycle headlights and taillights on motorcycle accidents, motorcycle noticeability and motorcycle electrical systems. There was a significant decrease in daytime motorcycle accidents in four states with daytime motorcycle headlight laws. On an annual basis a projected reduction of over 7000 motor cycle accident involvements would result from the daytime use of motorcycle headlights and taillights. Daytime operation of motorcycle headlights significantly increases noticeability and drivers will be able to positively identify motorcycles sooner and at greater distances with headlights operating during the daylight. Standard taillights, even modified by intensity, height, number, or contrasting background, do not increase noticeability. Most motorcycles appear to have adequate electrical systems for extended daytime headlight and taillight operation. Increased annual maintenance and repair costs for most motorcycles will be negligible with benefit-to-cost ratios greater than 1. (Author)