Campaigns
MAG Position - Airbags
When the motorcycle industry carried out its research into the draft leg protector design, it was shown that there was a substantial increase in the number and severity of head injuries caused by the devices. The Transport Research Laboratory's response was the engineering 'fix' of airbags.
When fitted to a car, usually within the steering wheel or dashboard, the airbag inflates when the vehicle is involved in an impact to restrain the motion of the driver's head. When fitted to a motorcycle, the airbag is designed to restrict the movement of the rider's head and upper body to prevent the injuries caused by the poor leg protector design.
At the present time the British Government believe that air bags and leg protectors are sensible, although there are no plans to make the airbags a legal requirement, but to develop an industry standard that manufacturers may adopt to provide 'protection' to those riders who wish it.
There are drawbacks to the design of airbags. The device needs to back on to a solid surface to prevent the airbag moving away from the rider or from deforming outwards and reducing the effectiveness of the airbag. This means that there must be a full fairing to aid in the rigidity and effectiveness of the invention. Tank bags would also be impossible to use as they would cover the airbag. There would also need to be a different design of airbag for each model of motorcycle, and the costs would be passed onto the customer.
John Wall of the TRL has stated that he would not be happy with the fitting of airbags to motorcycles until such time as a suitable inertia switch is designed that will not be set off by either potholes or sleeping policemen.
MAG is opposed to the compulsory implementation of the leg protector and airbag either as an individual item or a combination. There is an increasing tendency for the passing of legislation that discriminates against the victims of other people's incompetence. MAG supports the training of all road users to the high standard expected of motorcyclists, and the education and enforcement of drivers to the dangers of their actions in respect to riders.
MAG UK October 2001 All rights reserved.
