Low Visibility.
Motorcycles typically possess a smaller profile compared to vehicles, which can result in reduced visibility for drivers. Additionally, motorcycles are uncommon on the road and only account for 3% of all vehicles in the U.S.
According to the Insurance Information Institute,
the chances of motorcycle fatalities are significantly higher in the evening and night where the time of the day is darker and less visible.
the chances of motorcycle fatalities are significantly higher in the evening and night where the time of the day is darker and less visible.
Fatality Rate.
Survey Report.
Potential Solution?
LED Lights
Motorcycle riders often add custom LED lighting to their bikes for both personalization and safety. These LEDs allow riders to express their unique style while also enhancing visibility to other drivers, especially in low-light conditions. This dual purpose of customization and increased visibility helps showcase creativity and improve road safety.
LEGAL?
Motorcycle riders often install aftermarket LED lights to increase visibility and customize their bikes. However, many of these modifications are illegal under Transportation Code Sec. 547.306 B, which allows only non-flashing amber lights on motorcycles or mopeds. Blue and red lights are reserved for law enforcement. Riders must be mindful of these regulations to avoid penalties and ensure their bikes are compliant with the law.
Yes under conditions:
- None Flashing lights
- No Blue/Red colors
- Under 3000 Lumens for non-headlamps
Ergonomic Study.
My team conducted research on the ergonomics of motorcycles to identify optimal placements for LED lights. Our goal is to strategically position these lights in a way that enhances visibility to other drivers without blinding the rider. By carefully studying rider posture and line of sight, we aim to find locations on the motorcycle where LEDs can be both effective and safe, improving overall road safety and compliance with legal standards.
User Study.
User Testing
We conducted a nighttime user study to compare the visibility of our Project Legacy motorcycle with a standard motorcycle. Using drivers to assess from their perspective, we set up real-world scenarios to observe both motorcycles from various distances and angles, ensuring comprehensive visibility insights.
Result - Driver's Perspective.
Our study's unsurprising results confirmed that Project Legacy offers superior visibility compared to a standard motorcycle. Drivers reported that Project Legacy was significantly more noticeable from various angles and distances, proving its effectiveness in enhancing road safety through improved lighting design.
