Calculation Of Speed From Motorcycle Slide Marks
Motorcycle accidents are a common occurrence on roads, and their aftermath can be disastrous. One of the essential pieces of information that accident investigators need to collect is the speed of the motorcycle at the time of the accident. There are various methods of determining the speed of a motorcycle, but one of the most commonly used is by analyzing the slide marks left by the motorcycle. In this article, we will discuss the calculation of speed from motorcycle slide marks.
What Are Motorcycle Slide Marks?
Motorcycle slide marks are the skid marks left on the road surface when a motorcycle slides. These marks are caused by the friction between the tires of the motorcycle and the road surface. The length and direction of these marks can provide valuable information to investigators about the speed, trajectory, and other factors that led to the accident.
Factors Affecting The Length Of Motorcycle Slide Marks
The length of the slide marks left by the motorcycle on the road surface is affected by several factors. These factors include:
- The speed of the motorcycle
- The type and condition of the road surface
- The type and condition of the motorcycle tires
- The weight and momentum of the motorcycle
As the speed of the motorcycle increases, the length of the slide marks also increases. Similarly, if the road surface is rough or wet, the length of the slide marks will be shorter. The type and condition of the motorcycle tires also play a vital role in determining the length of the slide marks. If the tires are worn out or underinflated, the slide marks will be shorter.
Calculating The Speed Of Motorcycle From Slide Marks
The speed of the motorcycle at the time of the accident can be calculated by analyzing the length of the slide marks left by the motorcycle. The following formula can be used to calculate the speed:
Speed (in mph) = Length of slide marks (in feet) x 30
The above formula assumes that the road surface is dry and made of concrete or asphalt. If the road surface is different, the constant value of 30 may need to be adjusted accordingly. The formula also assumes that the motorcycle was sliding in a straight line. If the motorcycle was sliding in a curve, the calculation of speed becomes more complicated.
Conclusion
Motorcycle slide marks can provide valuable information to investigators about the speed and trajectory of the motorcycle at the time of the accident. The length of the slide marks is affected by several factors, including the speed of the motorcycle, the type and condition of the road surface, and the type and condition of the motorcycle tires. By analyzing the length of the slide marks, the speed of the motorcycle can be calculated using a simple formula. However, it is important to note that the calculation of speed from slide marks is not always accurate, and other factors should be taken into account when determining the cause of the accident.