Air bag vest

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The air bag vest is a personal safety device worn by some motorcyclists and horse riders. Airbag vests initially found popularity among equestrian competitors, and airbags have become mandatory in professional motorcycle racing. In 2018, it became compulsory across all classes within the FIM MotoGP World Championship for riders’ race suits to be fitted with airbag systems. [1]

Contents

In horse riding, the device is worn over a standard padded vest and is automatically inflated by gas released from a carbon dioxide canister when a tether attached to the horse's saddle is extended during a fall. [2]

While early motorcycle vests followed this approach, the technology has advanced: modern systems use a set of onboard sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope and GPS) that analyse the motorcyclist's movements more than 1000 times a second. An onboard AI computer uses this sensor data to predict the start of a crash and inflate the airbag before the rider hits the ground or a hard object. Germany's ADAC tested these systems and found that the speed of detection and inflation mattered. [3] More comprehensive research by Ballester et al. also found that the speed of inflation was critical for safety, with tethered systems too slow to inflate in some accident scenarios. [4]

Electronic airbags – either integrated into the motorcyclist's jacket or worn over it – have started to become more common among regular riders on the street. Manufacturers of electronic systems include In&Motion, Alpinestars, Helite (E-Turtle) and Dainese.

Description and availability – horse riding

The device weighs approximately two pounds and is worn over a standard protective high density foam vest. Connected by a cord to the horse's saddle, a carbon dioxide canister is punctured when the cord is extended during a fall, inflating the vest in 100 to 250 milliseconds. Unlike car air bags, the air bag vests can be repacked and reloaded for reuse with a new CO2 cartridge. Companies that manufacture the vests created them for motorcyclists as early as 1999. Point Two Air Jackets, a British manufacturer, began selling the device for horse riders starting in 2009 and the Japanese company Hit Air has a similar device, which sell for about $400 to $700 depending on the model. [5] In the US, companies such as MotoAir-USA started to spring up, using similar technology. As of 2010, Point Two estimated that 6,000 eventing riders wore its vests, while Hit Air estimated that 10,000 of its vests were being used. The United States Team at the FEI World Equestrian Games in 2010 planned to provide riders with air bag vests. [2]

Effectiveness in horse riding

Studies conducted by the British Transport Research Laboratory showed that the vests improved protection by 69% when worn by riders in conjunction with a standard protective vest and cut the risk of rib fractures and damage to internal organs by 20%. Studies performed by the TRL for Point Two showed a reduction exceeding 55% in the chest compression experienced while wearing the vest compared to unprotected falls, and that chest compression was cut in half of the maximum limit set by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for chest compression in automobile crashes. [6] At a competition in France held in September 2009, rider Karim Florent Laghouag was able to walk away from a fall in which his horse somersaulted over a fence with his only injury a dislocated elbow. Similar types of rotational falls had resulted in the death of 13 riders in the four-year span through 2010. [2] In 2010, British rider Oliver Townend described the vest as "the biggest step forward in the safety of our sport, ever". Townend had his horse fall on top of him while participating in the Rolex Kentucky Three Day in Lexington, Kentucky, and despite a broken sternum and four cracked ribs, credited the vest with allowing him to leave the hospital after only one day, saying that without the vest he "would be in a box or in America for a month". [2]

Effectiveness in motorcycling

In motorcycling, Ballester et al. defined the critical information for airbag efficiency assessment: the zones and levels of torso protection, the impacted surfaces as well as the airbag intervention time and the duration of maintained inflation of the airbag. [7] Also, earlier work by Thollon et al. analysed the effectiveness of airbag protection for reducing thoracic injuries in motorcycle accidents. [8] However, more research is needed regarding neck protection for motorcyclists. Some manufacturers' airbags protect the neck from extreme movement in a crash, but many lack this protection.

Independent research found that current airbags are effective and provide significant impact protection, but only under 30 mph. Initial investigation by ADAC found: “Increased protection potential is primarily only effective in accidents up to 50 Km/h.” [9] In 2019, Thierry Serre et al. published more in-depth research (involving not only impact tests on cadavers but detailed analyses of actual crashes involving riders wearing an airbag). They found that: “The airbag jackets seem to offer limited protection from a threshold speed which can be estimated to an impact around to 30-40 Km/h, but these speeds differ with the impact configuration.” [10]

Unmet needs for motorcyclists

Lower limbs

Lower limb damage is the most frequent injury for motorcyclists. [11] Kortor et al. (2010) found: "Lower limb injuries represent the commonest form of injuries among the motorcycle accident victims. Fractures were the commonest type of injury seen and the most common location was shaft of tibia." [12] Jeffers et al. (2004) also found: "Motorcycle accidents continue to be a source of severe injury, especially to the foot." [13] It confirmed earlier work by Southampton General Hospital on the very high prevalence of lower limb damage. [14] Consequently, the Protective Innovations of New Equipment for Enhanced Rider Safety (PIONEERS) research project investigated the effectiveness of fitting a motorcycle with lateral airbags to protect the rider's legs. [15] The lateral airbags proposed by PIONEERS and Ducati could have merit because it had previously been discovered "that crash bars provide a measure of protection to motorcyclist's legs, especially when the impact is from the side." [16] And motorcycles with protruding cylinder heads were found to protect riders in crashes: "leg injuries were reduced by approximately 50% among riders with boxer engines. These results were statistically significant." [17] Similarly, lateral airbags could reduce leg injuries.

In May 2022, Motorcycle News reported that a Swedish company, Airbag Inside, planned to launch airbag-equipped jeans for motorcycling. [18] A year later, Motorcycle News reported on the launch of airbag-equipped jeans by Mo’cycle. [19] But unlike the lateral airbags tested by Ducati in the PIONEERS study, these airbag-equipped jeans do not protect the lower leg and foot. Unfortunately, "the lower leg is damaged most frequently." [20]

Back and backside

It has been found that back protectors are ineffective, causing the hope that airbags can address this protection deficiency. Ekmejian et al. (2016), [21] Zulkipli et al. (2017) [22] and Afquir et al. (2020) [23] all noted that back protectors fail to protect against the leading cause of spinal injury, compression fractures. In short, “the motorcyclist falls from the motorcycle and onto their buttocks”, [24] and back protectors do not cover this area (although a very few include coccyx protection). This failing also applies to airbags, which usually fail to cover the tailbone or backside. Afquir et al. argued that the design of back protectors needs a rethink, and this finding applies equally to airbags for motorcyclists.

Certification

Airbag standards for motorcycle riders

In 2013, the European Committee for Standardization created a standard for motorcyclists’ airbags (EN 1621-4). It specified the minimum inflation speed, inflation duration, inflation volume and amount of force absorbed. There are two levels of performance: level 1 for airbag systems with adequate protection and level 2 for airbags with enhanced impact absorption. [25]

While the manufacturers of most electronic systems have certified their airbags to the European standard, it was developed for mechanically operated airbags. Crucially, the standard does not consider the effectiveness of their computer algorithms, in which crash scenarios the airbag will or won't trigger, or how well the manufacturer's processes keep the algorithm updated.

Research by Raúl Aranda-Marco et al., published in 2020, found serious limitations in the European standard for airbags (EN 1621-4). [26] In 2021, PIONEERS research found that a more severe test (compared to the European standard) was closer to an actual crash scenario. [27]

Airbag standards for horse riders

Following a detailed research project funded by the Injured Jockeys Fund and conducted by independent test house SATRA in conjunction with the British Racehorse Authority, a standard was established for the use of airbag vests by jockeys, and an amended version covering the use of airbag vests for riders across all other equestrian disciplines.

The SATRA standards cover ergonomics, the total area covered by the airbag, impact attenuation, activation force, lanyard strength, lanyard length, inflation speed and pressures. Most air jacket manufacturers have adopted these standards.

Motorcycle airbag usage by professional motorcyclists

In MotoGP racing, airbags have been worn since 2007 and compulsory since 2018. [28] Japanese police motorcyclists have used lanyard-based airbags for many years, and other police riders have used them for some time too (e.g. advanced riding instructors at Thames Valley Police Driving School, UK). In 2019, Britain's Gloucester police became one of the first police forces to equip its riders with electronically triggered airbags. [29]

Airbag-equipped helmets for motorcycling

In December 2022, Motorcycle News reported on helmet manufacturer Airoh collaborating with Swedish safety firm Autoliv to produce an airbag-equipped helmet: "Airbag systems are nothing new in biking. Once a safety net reserved for the MotoGP elite, they’re now found in everything from standalone vests to adventure jackets, to bespoke leathers. However, Italian company Airoh wants to take this a step further by integrating the explosive safety technology into a motorcycle helmet – revealing a striking prototype model at this year’s Milan show in early November." [30]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Airbag</span> Vehicle safety device

An airbag is a vehicle occupant-restraint system using a bag designed to inflate extremely quickly, then quickly deflate during a collision. It consists of the airbag cushion, a flexible fabric bag, an inflation module, and an impact sensor. The purpose of the airbag is to provide a vehicle occupant with soft cushioning and restraint during a collision. It can reduce injuries between the flailing occupant and the interior of the vehicle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Motorcycle personal protective equipment</span> Protective clothing and helmets for motorcycle safety

To improve motorcycle safety, many countries mandate the wearing of personal protective equipment such as protective clothing and helmets. Protective clothing may include certain types of jackets, gloves, boots, and pants. Jackets meant for motorcyclists are typically made of leather or specialized man-made fabrics like cordura or Kevlar. These jackets typically include padding on the elbow, spine, and shoulder regions. This was once quite bulky, but modern technology and materials have made it unobtrusive. Gloves are generally made of leather or Kevlar and some include carbon fiber knuckle protection. Boots, especially those for sport riding, include reinforcement and plastic caps on the ankle and toe areas. Pants are usually leather, cordura, or Kevlar. Except for helmets, none of these items are required by law in any state in the USA, or in any part of the UK but are recommended by many of those who ride.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Motorcycle helmet</span> Safety helmet used by motorcycle riders

A motorcycle helmet is a type of helmet used by motorcycle riders. Motorcycle helmets contribute to motorcycle safety by protecting the rider's head in the event of an impact. They reduce the risk of head injury by 69% and the risk of death by 42%. Their use is required by law in many countries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">High-visibility clothing</span> Safety clothing

High-visibility clothing, sometimes shortened to hi vis or hi viz, is any clothing worn that is highly luminescent in its natural matt property or a color that is easily discernible from any background. It is most commonly worn on the torso and arm area of the body. Health and safety regulations often require the use of high visibility clothing as it is a form of personal protective equipment. Many colors of high visibility vests are available, with yellow and orange being the most common examples. Colors other than yellow or orange may not provide adequate luminescence for conformity to standards such as ISO 20471.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Motorcycle boot</span>

Motorcycle boots are associated with motorcycle riders and range from above ankle to below knee boots. They have an outside of a typical boot but a low heel to control the motorcycle. To improve motorcycle safety, motorcycle boots are generally made from a thick, heavy leather and may include energy absorbing and load spreading padding, metal, plastic and/or composite materials to protect the motorcycle rider's feet, ankles and legs in an accident. For use in wet weather, some boots have a waterproof membrane lining such as Gore-Tex or SympaTex.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dainese</span> Italian sports manufacturer

Dainese is an Italian manufacturer of protective equipment and technical gear for dynamic sports, including motorcycling, mountain biking, winter sports and horseriding. Founded in 1972 by Lino Dainese, it has expanded through organic growth and acquisitions, including Italian helmet manufacturer AGV in 2007.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Side collision</span> Vehicle crash where the side of one or more vehicles is impacted

A side collision is a vehicle crash where the side of one or more vehicles is impacted. These crashes typically occur at intersections, in parking lots, and when two vehicles pass on a multi-lane roadway.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Motorcycle safety</span> Study of the risks and dangers of motorcycling

Motorcycle safety is the study of the risks and dangers of motorcycling, and the approaches to mitigate that risk, focusing on motorcycle design, road design and traffic rules, rider training, and the cultural attitudes of motorcyclists and other road users.

Motorcycle armor is body armor for motorcycle riders. It comes in a variety of forms, from traditional yellow foam to high-tech compounds capable of absorbing large amounts of energy. In its basic form an armored jacket will include shoulder and elbow armor, and many jackets can have an optional back protector added too. Trousers should include hip and knee protection, and sometimes a coccyx protector too.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Motorcycle fatality rate in U.S. by year</span>

This is a list of numbers of motorcycle deaths in U.S. by year from 1994 to 2014. United States motorcycle fatalities increased every year for 11 years after reaching a historic low of 2,116 fatalities in 1997, then increased to over 5,000 around 2008 and then plateaued in the 4 to 5 thousands range in the 2010s. In nine years motorcycle deaths more than doubled from the late 1990s to 2008. Despite providing less than 1% of miles driven, they made up 15% of traffic deaths in 2012.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Snell Memorial Foundation</span> Helmet safety standards organization

The Snell Memorial Foundation is a nonprofit organization created to provide a high quality standard of safety for helmets. Founded in 1957, the foundation is named after William "Pete" Snell, a popular sports car racer who died in 1956 of head injuries he received when the racing helmet he wore failed to protect his head. A group of friends, scientists, physicians, and others joined together to create a group that would promote research and education as well as test and develop standards to improve the effectiveness of helmets.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">BMW R1200RT</span> Type of motorcycle

The BMW R1200RT is a touring or sport touring motorcycle that was manufactured from 2005 to 2019 by BMW Motorrad to replace the R1150RT model. It features a 1,170 cc (71 cu in) flat-twin engine with a six-speed gearbox and shaft drive.

Alpinestars is an Italian motorsports and action sports safety equipment manufacturer based in Asolo, Italy. Its lines include specialized products for MotoGP, motocross, motorcycling, Formula One, World Rally Championship, WEC, V8 Supercars, NASCAR, mountain biking, and surfing, and motorsports-themed, non-sports clothing, with fashion design centers in Italy and California offering products for men, women and kids.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hurt Report</span> Motorcycle safety study published in 1981

The Hurt Report, officially Motorcycle Accident Cause Factors and Identification of Countermeasures, was a motorcycle safety study conducted in the United States, initiated in 1976 and published in 1981. The report is named after its primary author, Professor Harry Hurt.

Hövding is an airbag bicycle helmet, launched in November 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">R&G (motorcycle accessories)</span> Motorcycle accessory manufacturer

R&G is a British company active in the design, marketing and distribution of motorcycle accessories and crash protection products. Previously known as R&G Racing, it was formed in 1999 and is located near Alton, Hampshire, England.

Charles Adrian Hobbs specialises in vehicle crashworthiness with a background in accident and injury investigation/analysis.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Motorcycle riding gear</span>

Motorcycle riding gear, or kit , is specialized clothing and equipment worn by motorcyclists. It usually serves multiple purpose at once, including crash injury protection, deflecting sun, precipitation or debris, keeping the rider warm, cool or hydrated, increasing visibility, expressing the rider's style or social identity, stowing cargo, and as a platform for wearable or embedded devices like wireless intercoms, GPS navigation devices, cell phones, or helmet-mounted displays.

Spidi is an Italian manufacturer of protective and race clothing for motorcycle riders. Spidi Sport slr owns Spidi Incorporated, a United States-based subsidiary. The company is headquartered in Sarego, Italy and has a subsidiary office in California. The US subsidiary was incorporated in 2013.

References

  1. ↑ MCNews (2018) Airbags compulsory from 2018 across all MotoGP categories. Available at: https://www.mcnews.com.au/airbag-suits-now-compulsory-motogp-moto2-moto3/ (Accessed: 19 June 2023).
  2. 1 2 3 4 Thomas, Katie (2010-08-23). "Added Safety in the Saddle". The New York Times. Retrieved 2022-04-02.
  3. ↑ Krauß, J. (2022) ADAC Test: Airbag-Westen für Motorradfahrer. Available at: https://www.adac.de/rund-ums-fahrzeug/zweirad/motorrad-roller/motorrad-fahren/motorrad-airbag-westen/ (Accessed: 19 June 2023).
  4. ↑ Ballester, O.F. et al. (2019) 'Analysis of trunk impact conditions in motorcycle road accidents based on epidemiological, accidentological data and multibody simulations', Accident Analysis & Prevention, 127, pp. 223–230.
  5. ↑ "Hit Air Equestrian Prices". Hit Air Equestrian. Retrieved 30 September 2015.
  6. ↑ "TRL initial observations of the Point Two Children's Air Jacket" Archived 2010-08-27 at the Wayback Machine , Point Two. Accessed August 24, 2010.
  7. ↑ Ballester, O.F. et al. (2019) 'Analysis of trunk impact conditions in motorcycle road accidents based on epidemiological, accidentological data and multibody simulations', Accident Analysis & Prevention, 127, pp. 223–230.
  8. ↑ Thollon, L.; Godio, Y.; Bidal, S.; Brunet, C. (2010-06-28). "Evaluation of a new security system to reduce thoracic injuries in case of motorcycle accidents". International Journal of Crashworthiness. 15 (2): 191–199. doi:10.1080/13588260903102062. S2CID   110856185.
  9. ↑ Adac.de. July 2020. ADAC Test: Airbag-Westen für Motorradfahrer. [online] Available at: <https://www.adac.de/rund-ums-fahrzeug/tests/motorrad/motorrad-airbag-westen/> [Accessed 18 August 2021].
  10. ↑ T. Serre, C. Masson, M. Llari, B. Canu, M. Py, C. Perrin (2019). Airbag Jacket for Motorcyclists: Evaluation of Real Effectiveness. RCOBI conference 2019: Florence, Italy.
  11. ↑ Lateef, F. (2002). "Riding motorcycles: Is it a lower limb hazard?". Singapore Medical Journal. 43 (11): 566–569. PMID   12680525.
  12. ↑ Kortor, J.N., Yinusa, W. and Ugbeye, M.E. (2010) 'Lower Limb Injuries Arising From Motorcycle Crashes', Nigerian Journal of Medicine : Journal of the National Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria, 19(4). doi: 10.4314/njm.v19i4.61980
  13. ↑ Jeffers, R.F. et al. (2004) 'Prevalence and Patterns of Foot Injuries Following Motorcycle Trauma', Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma, 18(2), pp. 87–91.
  14. ↑ Craig, G.R., Sleet, R.A. and Wood, S.K. (1983) 'Lower limb injuries in motorcycle accidents', Injury-international Journal of the Care of the Injured, 15(3), pp. 163–166.
  15. ↑ Casalins, R., 2021. IDIADA tested Ducati motorcycle with lateral Airbag – Pioneers. [online] PIONEERS. Available at: <http://pioneers-project.eu/idiada-tests-ducati-motorcycle-with-lateral-airbag/> [Accessed 18 August 2021].
  16. ↑ Ross DJ. ‘The prevention of leg injuries in motorcycle accidents’. Injury. 1983 Sep;15(2):75-7.
  17. ↑ Rizzi M. 'Can a Boxer Engine Reduce Leg Injuries Among Motorcyclists? Analysis of Injury Distributions in Crashes Involving Different Motorcycles Fitted with Antilock Brakes (ABS)'. Traffic Inj Prev. 2015;16(7):739-46.
  18. ↑ Motorcycle News (2022), ‘Crashing? Deploy the parachute’, 4 May, p.14.
  19. ↑ Sutherland, D. (2023) 'Rate of inflation: Airbag jeans come to market', Motorcycle News, 4 May. Available at: https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/new-kit/airbag-jeans/. (Accessed: 19 June 2023).
  20. ↑ Mackay, M., 'Lower Limb Injuries to Riders of Motorcycles', SAE Technical Paper 861930, 1986.
  21. ↑ Ekmejian, R. et al. (2016) 'A systematic review on the effectiveness of back protectors for motorcyclists', Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine, 24(1).
  22. ↑ Zulkipli, Z.H. et al. (2017) 'Non-fatal spine injuries resulting from motorcycle crashes', IATSS Research, 42(3), pp. 121–127.
  23. ↑ Afquir, S. et al. (2020) 'Descriptive analysis of the effect of back protector on the prevention of vertebral and thoracolumbar injuries in serious motorcycle accident', Accident Analysis & Prevention, 135, p. 105331.
  24. ↑ Zulkipli, Z.H. et al. (2017) 'Non-fatal spine injuries resulting from motorcycle crashes', IATSS Research, 42(3), pp. 121–127.
  25. ↑ SATRA (no date). EN 1621 – Motorcyclists’ clothing protecting against mechanical impact. Available at: https://www.satra.com/ppe/EN1621.php (Accessed: 19 June 2023).
  26. ↑ Raúl Aranda-Marco, Wei Wei, Thierry Serre, Pablo Sánchez , Enric Soriano, Steffen Peldschus (2020). Limitations of the Standard Test Procedure for Assessing the Protection of Motorcyclist Airbag Jackets in a Realistic Impact Scenario. RCOBI conference 2020: Munich, Germany. Planned to be held in 2020 but postponed to 2021 (due to Covid-19 pandemic)
  27. ↑ PIONEERS: General presentation to ACEM. 28 May 2021. http://pioneers-project.eu/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/PIONEERS-Project-Presentation-to-ACEM-28th-may-GLOBAL.pdf
  28. ↑ MotoGP (2017) ‘’Airbags: compulsory from 2018’’. Available at: https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2017/12/21/airbags-compulsory-from-2018/247973. (Accessed: 19 June 2023).
  29. ↑ Evans, G., 2019. Gloucestershire Constabulary adopts BKS airbag tech. [online] MCN. Available at: <https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/2019/february/bks-airbag-police/> [Accessed 18 August 2021].
  30. ↑ Sutherland, D. (2022) Airheads: World's first integrated airbag helmet unveiled by Airoh, MCN. Motorcycle News. Available at: https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/new-tech/airoh-helmet-airbag/ (Accessed: December 5, 2022).
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