Safe Speed Forums

http://news.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/hi/techn ... 886427.stm


Sounds to me a bit like cycle helmets - yes, they may save a few lives, but if made compulsory would be a serious disincentive to motorcycling.

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"Show me someone who says that they have never exceeded a speed limit, and I'll show you a liar, or a menace." (Austin Williams - Director, Transport Research Group)

Any views expressed in this post are personal opinions and may not represent the views of Safe Speed

How easy are these to re-charge. how often would you forget and PUFF! you are a michilen man
Imagine the fun you could have at a biker meet tugging the toggles.
How distracting would a misfire whilst riding be?
If you got thrown off into water, which way up would you float? face down?
Is the rider able to remove the jacket once inflated un aided. If you end up down a slope on the moors can you self rescue your self to the road.

If they are so great how come there is no data, just opinions.

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Speed limit sign radio interview. TV Snap Unhappy
“It has never been the rule in this country – I hope it never will be - that suspected criminal offences must automatically be the subject of prosecution” He added that there should be a prosecution: “wherever it appears that the offence or the circumstances of its commission is or are of such a character that a prosecution in respect thereof is required in the public interest”
This approach has been endorsed by Attorney General ever since 1951. CPS Code

I think they're still too new- only a year or so ago I was watching something on telly about them being developed with a view for use in motoGP.

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Fear is a weapon of mass distraction

I watched the demo stuntman on the news, and was alarmed to see that even at a low speed, the inflated jacket caused the rider to roll over and over - albeit slowly.

I would have expected a rider coming off at high speed to roll over and over so fast as to cause MORE injuries under certain circumstances, than simply sliding along with a decent kidney belt and Belstaff jacket.
In either case, I would expect hitting an obstacle - such as a lakeland drystone wall, to result in serious trauma. If they are only going to be of real use in a few circumstances, then the benefit is outweighed by the problems, and cost.

Perhaps a medical expert with motorcycle experience will be along to comment?

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Time to take responsibility for our actions.. and don't be afraid of speaking out!

There is also the risk compensation angle to consider. Would a rider push the limits further in one of these jackets?

It's not too clear from the video, but did he hit the floor before the bladders inflated?

I'm glad that, for once, the government is being cautious and not looking to make them compulsory. With the new test requirements to motorcycling, it's expensive enough without adding more compulsory safety features. Possibly they remember the leg protector fiasco?

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Prepare to be Judged

So disappointed with sales the manufacturers get doctors to call for them to be made compulsory. I think they have merit if they are nothing more than inflatable armour and perhaps inflate no more than 5 or 6 cm. but some inflate 10 or 15 cm. Forget trying to create an airbag for bikes and concentrate on air assisted armour.

I am sure the stunt man says the jacket lifts him off the floor as it inflates. So I think the initial contact is with the jacket not inflated.

I think in a high side the benefits would be greater, but the contact forces would be higher too.