Motorcycle crashes have increased dramatically for the past decade in the United States. Motorcycle rider fatalities rose 127 percent between 1997 and 2006. During the same time, fatality numbers and rates for passenger car crashes dropped. In 2006 and 2007, motorcycle rider fatalities surpassed pedestrian fatalities, comprising more than 10 percent of the total motor vehicle related fatalities. In 2006, motorcycle crash-related fatalities (4,810) increased by over 5 percent from 2005, making motorcycle rider fatalities a significant contributor to the slight overall increase that year in the national highway fatality rate. In 2007, while overall motor vehicle related fatalities decreased almost 4 percent from 2006, motorcycle crash-related fatalities (5,154) increased by 7 percent. In the SAFETEA-LU legislation, Congress mandated the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to grant funding to Oklahoma State University (OSU) to conduct a Motorcycle Crash Causation Study (MCC) following the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) methodology. The OECD methodology refers to the Common International Methodology, a comprehensive on-scene, in-depth accident investigation of motorcycle crashes. The purpose of the study is to determine the underlying causes of motorcycle crashes. The study approach is to collect detailed data from 900 or more motorcycle crashes and have these matched with data from similarly-at-risk riders at each of the crash locations within a short period after each initial crash. This type of robust database will provide greater insight into the causes of crashes because it will contain both in-depth data on crash antecedents, as well as data on risk factors (e.g., age, rider experience, speed, alcohol) that will be derived from comparisons of the crash and control samples. These types of data can be used to guide the development of improved countermeasures to crashes including countermeasures relating to roadway configuration and design. The FWHA and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are working together to address motorcycle safety. For this effort, NHTSA is conducting a pilot study of the data collection methodology. This pilot study's purpose is to develop and test the data collection forms, training manuals, data collection protocols, etc. for the larger Motorcycle Crash Causation study. Data collection for the pilot is planned to begin late Fall 2008. The SAFETEA-LU legislation requires that OSU match the Federal funds dollar for dollar. The motorcycle industry and safety foundations are very supportive of the Motorcycle Crash Causation study and have pledged about $3M against the $2 M in Federal funds. The total cost of the study, however, is expected to require approximately $3M above the currently available and anticipated funding pledged to the project. This Pooled fund study would provide $1.5M of the additional $3M needed.

The primary objective of the Motorcycle Crash Causation study is to investigate the causes of motorcycle crashes to enable the development of countermeasures that can be effective in reducing these crashes. Using the methodology developed by the OECD, the study will focus on all relevant aspects of motorcycle crashes that could be susceptible to countermeasures that will either prevent motorcycle crashes from occurring or will lessen the harm resulting from them. The objective of this transportation pooled fund study is to provide additional funding to help support the Crash Causation Study in the collection of data from additional motorcycle crashes.

Establish, Maintain, & Facilitate Project Working Group A project working group (PWG) has been established for the MCC study. It currently includes 15-20 selected individuals from key motorcycle organizations (e.g., Motorcycle Safety Foundation, The American Motorcycle Association) with an interest in motorcycle safety. The PWG provides technical input to the study and will meet annually. The TPF will include additional representation from participating State DOTs to the MCC PWG. Finalize Work Plan A finalized work plan based off the results of the NHTSA Pilot study shall be developed. The Finalized Work Plan should address: * Questions to be answered by the research; * The sampling plan for crash and control riders and for crash and control drivers; * The data elements to be captured from crash and control riders and drivers; * The training requirements for field data collectors, and the training materials; * The criteria for selecting data collection sites, and a proposed list of sites that meet these criteria; * A Drafted Memorandum of Understanding for selected sites; * Protocols for implementation of data collection; * Protocols for ensuring data security; * Specification of data file formats and sufficient documentation to ensure third parties can easily read and electronically manipulate the files when given access; * A detailed data analysis plan; and * A reporting plan for routine status. Obtain Required Approvals Given the nature of the OECD data collection methodology, Oklahoma State University is required to acquire an Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval. OMB approval is also required, but has already been obtained. Develop a Project Website A MCC project website shall be developed and maintained for the life of the project. The website shall include project information, updates, informational links, generated reports, etc. The shall be updated at least monthly Collect the Motorcycle Crash Causation Data In accordance with the procedures outlined in the approved Finalized Work Plan, the motorcycle crash causation data from all crash involved vehicles and from all control vehicles shall be collected. All data forms and the data shall be entered into electronic files in the form specified in the Finalized Work Plan. The motorcycle crash causation data collection shall be completed on or before 36 months from the effective date of the agreement. Analyze Data and Prepare Final Reports and Presentations The data shall be analyzed and the results of the analysis shall be presented in a final report. Additionally, presentations of the findings shall be made at the annual meeting of the Transportation Review Board (TRB) and at least one other annual conference. The analysis, final report and presentations shall be completed on or before 48 months from the effective date of the agreement.

The desired level of contribution is $50,000 per year per agency. However, level of commitment may vary based on size and type of agency (e.g. county and city). Desired minimum level of contribution is $15,000 per year per agency. Consistent funding for three (3) years is desired.