NCJ Number
136642
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 40 Issue: 3 Dated: (March 1992) Pages: 17-19
Date Published
1992
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Determining the speed of a motorcycle that was involved in an accident involves analysis of several factors including the drag factors when braking occurs on the rear wheel only, the front wheel only, and both wheels braking together.
Abstract
Usually only one skidmark is present. If this is the case, it should be assumed that only rear wheel braking occurred, unless the motorcycle rider can provide information about what braking was applied to the front. The analyst can use a mathematical method to determine the weight shift and the drag factor, although the calculation cannot be precise. A more effective method is to use the results of tests performed during the Motorcycle Accident Reconstruction Schools conducted by the Institute of Police Technology and Management at several locations. Tests were run at many speeds, with those closest to 30-40 miles per hour providing the most useful information. The tests considered normal, moderate, and maximum acceleration with different riders and bikes. From these tests, tables were developed and published with this article to aid the accident reconstructionist in determining speeds. Tables