172:
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." 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." Similarly, lateral airbags could reduce leg injuries.
204:(2020) all noted that back protectors fail to protect against the leading cause of spinal injury, compression fractures. In short, âthe motorcyclist falls from the motorcycle and onto their buttocksâ, 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
705:
RaĂșl Aranda-Marco, Wei Wei, Thierry Serre, Pablo SĂĄnchez , 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
287:
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, theyâre now found in everything from standalone vests to adventure jackets, to bespoke
274:
racing, airbags have been worn since 2007 and compulsory since 2018. 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
225:
created a standard for motorcyclistsâ 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
43:
While early motorcycle vests followed this approach, the technology has advanced: modern systems use a set of onboard sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope and GPS) that analyze the motorcyclist's movements . An onboard computer uses this sensor data to predict the start of a crash and inflate the airbag
94:
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
72:
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
145:
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: âThe airbag jackets seem to offer limited protection from a threshold speed which can be estimated to an impact around to 30-40
171:
on the very high prevalence of lower limb damage. 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. The lateral airbags proposed by
229:
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
77:
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
133:
analysed the effectiveness of airbag protection for reducing thoracic injuries in motorcycle accidents. 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.
78:
depending on the model. 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
99:
for chest compression in automobile crashes. 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
128:
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. Also, earlier work by
Thollon
261:
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.
179:
reported that a
Swedish company, Airbag Inside, planned to launch airbag-equipped jeans for motorcycling. A year later, Motorcycle News reported on the launch of airbag-equipped jeans by Moâcycle. But unlike the lateral airbags tested by
288:
leathers. However, Italian company Airoh wants to take this a step further by integrating the explosive safety technology into a motorcycle helmet â revealing a striking prototype model at this yearâs Milan show in early
November."
237:, published in 2020, found serious limitations in the European standard for airbags (EN 1621-4). In 2021, PIONEERS research found that a more severe test (compared to the European standard) was closer to an actual crash scenario.
249:
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.
35:
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 ridersâ race suits to be fitted with airbag systems.
163:(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." Jeffers
55:
Electronic airbags â either integrated into the motorcyclist's jacket or worn over it â have started to become more common among regular riders on the street. Manufacturers of electronic systems include In&Motion,
39:
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.
116:, 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".
589:
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)'.
427:
Ballester, O.F. et al. (2019) 'Analysis of trunk impact conditions in motorcycle road accidents based on epidemiological, accidentological data and multibody simulations',
370:
Ballester, O.F. et al. (2019) 'Analysis of trunk impact conditions in motorcycle road accidents based on epidemiological, accidentological data and multibody simulations',
488:
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.
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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',
96:
441:
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".
137:
Independent research found that current airbags are effective and provide significant impact protection, but only under 30 mph. Initial investigation by
108:
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
184:
in the PIONEERS study, these airbag-equipped jeans do not protect the lower leg and foot. Unfortunately, "the lower leg is damaged most frequently."
716:
254:
SATRA M38: February 2013 â Requirements for air-vests, for use in horse riding, intended to give protection in the event of a fall to the ground
222:
167:(2004) also found: "Motorcycle accidents continue to be a source of severe injury, especially to the foot." It confirmed earlier work by
358:
192:
It has been found that back protectors are ineffective, causing the hope that airbags can address this protection deficiency. Ekmejian
95:
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.
52:
also found that the speed of inflation was critical for safety, with tethered systems too slow to inflate in some accident scenarios.
753:
Sutherland, D. (2022) Airheads: World's first integrated airbag helmet unveiled by Airoh, MCN. Motorcycle News. Available at:
679:
Zulkipli, Z.H. et al. (2017) 'Non-fatal spine injuries resulting from motorcycle crashes', IATSS Research, 42(3), pp. 121â127.
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tested these systems and found that the speed of detection and inflation mattered. More comprehensive research by Ballester
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argued that the design of back protectors needs a rethink, and this finding applies equally to airbags for motorcyclists.
91:
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168:
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found: âIncreased protection potential is primarily only effective in accidents up to 50 Km/h.â In 2019, Thierry Serre
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Gloucester police became one of the first police forces to equip its riders with electronically triggered airbags.
79:
257:
SATRA M39: February 2013 - Requirements for jockeys' body protectors additionally incorporating airbag technology.
564:
563:
Casalins, R., 2021. IDIADA tested Ducati motorcycle with lateral Airbag â Pioneers. PIONEERS. Available at: <
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Following a detailed research project funded by the Injured Jockeys Fund and conducted by independent test house
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http://pioneers-project.eu/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/PIONEERS-Project-Presentation-to-ACEM-28th-may-GLOBAL.pdf
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109:
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Ekmejian, R. et al. (2016) 'A systematic review on the effectiveness of back protectors for motorcyclists',
309:
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Kortor, J.N., Yinusa, W. and Ugbeye, M.E. (2010) 'Lower Limb Injuries Arising From Motorcycle Crashes',
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https://www.adac.de/rund-ums-fahrzeug/zweirad/motorrad-roller/motorrad-fahren/motorrad-airbag-westen/
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Jeffers, R.F. et al. (2004) 'Prevalence and Patterns of Foot Injuries Following Motorcycle Trauma',
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have resulted in the death of 13 riders in the four-year span through 2010. In 2010, British rider
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Nigerian Journal of MedicineâŻ: Journal of the National Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria
458:
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Evans, G., 2019. Gloucestershire Constabulary adopts BKS airbag tech. MCN. Available at: <
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Craig, G.R., Sleet, R.A. and Wood, S.K. (1983) 'Lower limb injuries in motorcycle accidents',
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Mackay, M., 'Lower Limb Injuries to Riders of Motorcycles', SAE Technical Paper 861930, 1986.
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Zulkipli, Z.H. et al. (2017) 'Non-fatal spine injuries resulting from motorcycle crashes',
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24:
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Adac.de. July 2020. ADAC Test: Airbag-Westen fĂŒr Motorradfahrer. Available at: <
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57:
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http://pioneers-project.eu/idiada-tests-ducati-motorcycle-with-lateral-airbag/
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trigger, or how well the manufacturer's processes keep the algorithm updated.
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https://www.motogp.com/en/news/2017/12/21/airbags-compulsory-from-2018/247973
408:
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https://www.adac.de/rund-ums-fahrzeug/tests/motorrad/motorrad-airbag-westen/
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https://www.mcnews.com.au/airbag-suits-now-compulsory-motogp-moto2-moto3/
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Sutherland, D. (2023) 'Rate of inflation: Airbag jeans come to market',
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Lower limb damage is the most frequent injury for motorcyclists. Kortor
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61:
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EN 1621 â Motorcyclistsâ clothing protecting against mechanical impact
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Lateef, F. (2002). "Riding motorcycles: Is it a lower limb hazard?".
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https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/2019/february/bks-airbag-police/
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Scandinavian Journal of Trauma, Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine
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Ross DJ. âThe prevention of leg injuries in motorcycle accidentsâ.
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air bag vests can be repacked and reloaded for reuse with a new CO
755:
https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/new-tech/airoh-helmet-airbag/
409:"TRL initial observations of the Point Two Children's Air Jacket"
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and horse riders. Airbag vests initially found popularity among
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MotoGP (2017) ââAirbags: compulsory from 2018ââ. Available at:
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Km/h, but these speeds differ with the impact configuration.â
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before the rider hits the ground or a hard object. Germany's
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https://www.motorcyclenews.com/news/new-kit/airbag-jeans/
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Airbags compulsory from 2018 across all MotoGP categories
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Personal safety device for motorcyclists and horse riders
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Injury-international Journal of the Care of the Injured
605:(2022), âCrashing? Deploy the parachuteâ, 4 May, p.14.
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in 2010 planned to provide riders with air bag vests.
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PIONEERS: General presentation to ACEM. 28 May 2021.
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Motorcycle airbag usage by professional motorcyclists
706:but postponed to 2021 (due to Covid-19 pandemic)
97:National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
8:
355:ADAC Test: Airbag-Westen fĂŒr Motorradfahrer
68:Description and availability â horse riding
443:International Journal of Crashworthiness
279:Airbag-equipped helmets for motorcycling
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418:, Point Two. Accessed August 24, 2010.
223:European Committee for Standardization
217:Airbag standards for motorcycle riders
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694:https://www.satra.com/ppe/EN1621.php
668:Accident Analysis & Prevention
429:Accident Analysis & Prevention
372:Accident Analysis & Prevention
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241:Airbag standards for horse riders
90:Studies conducted by the British
233:Research by RaĂșl Aranda-Marco
1:
757:(Accessed: December 5, 2022).
539:Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma
150:Unmet needs for motorcyclists
120:Effectiveness in motorcycling
92:Transport Research Laboratory
86:Effectiveness in horse riding
331:"Added Safety in the Saddle"
329:Thomas, Katie (2010-08-23).
169:Southampton General Hospital
731:. (Accessed: 19 June 2023).
622:. (Accessed: 19 June 2023).
385:"Hit Air Equestrian Prices"
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80:FEI World Equestrian Games
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500:Singapore Medical Journal
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312:(Accessed: 19 June 2023).
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554:, 15(3), pp. 163â166.
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431:, 127, pp. 223â230.
374:, 127, pp. 223â230.
114:Lexington, Kentucky
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414:2010-08-27 at the
389:Hit Air Equestrian
335:The New York Times
283:In December 2022,
200:(2017) and Afquir
688:SATRA (no date).
670:, 135, p. 105331.
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353:KrauĂ, J. (2022)
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155:Lower limbs
58:Alpinestars
768:Categories
340:2022-04-02
292:References
33:equestrian
463:110856185
644:, 24(1).
512:12680525
412:Archived
779:Airbags
62:Dainese
744:> .
578:Injury
567:> .
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479:> .
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272:MotoGP
235:et al.
206:et al.
202:et al.
198:et al.
194:et al.
182:Ducati
165:et al.
161:et al.
143:et al.
131:et al.
126:et al.
50:et al.
784:Vests
459:S2CID
247:SATRA
508:PMID
396:2015
139:ADAC
46:ADAC
19:The
451:doi
270:In
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