lrd (04/22/83)
I have a copy of a letter addressed to Dale L. MacCormack (Coordinator,
Motorcycle Safety Program, Northeastern Illinois University; Safety
Editor, BMW News; President, Conspicuity, Inc.) from Hugh H. ("Harry")
Hurt, Jr, Professor of Safety, Head Protection Research Laboratory,
Institute of Safety and systems Management, University of Southern
California.
Professor Hurt and his team have done extensive research on motorcycle
accidents, injuries and fatalaties. The referenced letter states that
they are in the final preparation phase of the Fatal Accident Study for
NHTSA-DOT, having "collected about 300 fatal accident cases by ...
on-scene, in-depth accident investigation and reconstruction ...
whole-body autopsy with detailed dissection of the neck and complete
neuropathology of the brain ... about 12,00 descrete injuries to
those fatally injured riders and passengers."
The following quote (emphasis mine) is significant, and I just had
to share it with net.cycle and net.med readers.
"THE MOST OBVIOUS INFORMATION ACQUIRED IS THAT IT IS EXTREMELY
DIFFICULT TO KILL A HELMETED MOTORCYCLE RIDER IN AN ACCIDENT."
Enough said -- wear a helmet when you ride! The letter goes on to
mention that they (Dr. Hurt's group) are in the process of "conducting
a test comparison of 'premium'full facial coverage safety helmets."
When (if) I am informed of the results of this study, I will inform
net.cycle.
Ride Safe (Shiny Side Up, Rubber Side Down)
L. R. DuBroff
Bell Laboratories
Naperville, Illinois