Drivetime Mahatma

Cables not death traps for cyclists

Dear Mahatma: Was any consideration given to motorcyclists when the cable median barriers were installed on the interstates? I have read a few reports of motorcyclist deaths as a result of impact with these barriers. I understand the importance, but what about the impact on motorcyclists? -- Two-Wheeler

Dear Two-Wheeler: As you know, and as anyone who travels the interstate highways of Arkansas knows, these barriers now cover miles and miles of interstate where once there was only a grassy median.

The purpose is to reduce fatal crashes in which vehicles cross over the median and collide with oncoming traffic. The barriers also dissipate much of the speed and energy of the vehicle.

Danny Straessle of the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department said this week that a crash analysis of 39 months before and after installation of the barriers on Interstate 40 showed a 100 percent reduction in such fatal crashes and a 47 percent reduction in injuries.

The state of Washington appears to lead research on the pros and cons of cable median barriers. On our desk are two studies, one from 2007 and another from 2013 by that state's Department of Transportation. A section of the latter is titled "Motorcycle Collisions."

Some points made:

Injuries and fatalities involving motorcyclists have increased across the nation. The trend parallels an increase in motorcycle ridership.

Motorcyclists are at greater risk of injury than occupants in passenger vehicles. The latter are, of course, protected by the vehicle, its safety belts and air bags.

Researchers found no difference in the severity of injury to motorcyclists regardless of the type of median barrier struck -- concrete, cable, or metal beam, known as a W-beam.

Concern about dismemberment resulting from motorcyclists striking cable median barriers is not supported by the data.

In locations without a median barrier, motorcycles are as prone as any other vehicle to be struck by an oncoming vehicle that crosses the median.

Another study, in a 2011 edition of the Transportation Research Record, found little difference in the rate of injury between types of barriers in three states. Motorcycle collisions with W-beams resulted in death or severe injury in 40.1 percent of crashes; 40.4 percent with cable barriers; and 36.5 percent with concrete barriers.

Dear Knower of Things: As a pedestrian, do I have the right to kick in the side of a car whose driver blocks the crosswalk? Is there a less violent recourse? -- Boots On

Dear Boots: A soft answer turneth away wrath. Smile and the world smiles with you. Everybody is good for something, even if it's to show others how not to be.

The Traffic Desk is now out of analogies, metaphors, similes, comparisons, bromides, colloquialisms, proverbs and brain cells.

Mahatma@arkansasonline.com

Metro on 09/05/2015

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