2BESAFE – 2-Wheeler Behaviour and Safety
(website available in June 2009)
Current statistics show that Powered Two Wheeler (PTW) users are over-involved in fatal crashes. The OECD/ECMT International Road Accident Database (IRTAD) shows that, between 2002 and 2005, PTW deaths as a proportion of the total number of road deaths in European countries increased from 11.3% to 13.4%. Whilst the total number of road fatalities in the last decade has decreased in EU-14, this has coincided with a corresponding increase in fatalities for PTW riders. The risk of having an accident for PTW riders, taking into account vehicle mileage ridden per annum, varies considerably between European countries.
2BESAFE overall strategy consists in conducting three innovative axis of research focussing on riders behaviour and on riders-drivers interactions. These topics of research in these three areas will be derived from accidentology findings, and will be supported by activities in designing the required technological tools.
The results acquired in these three areas of research will then be compiled and transversally analysed, following a systemic approach, to develop guidelines and policy recommendations for the observation of riders' behaviour and for the elaboration of measures to improve PTWs' safety through the design of relevant and adapted countermeasures.
These guidelines will be widely disseminated through several events such as key workshops and will include a User forum, and supports such as a website, leaflets and reports.
