MICROMOBILITY CRASHES

Unraveling Bicycle, E-Bike, and Scooter Accidents

With expertise in bicycle anatomy and typical failure points, e-bike classification and regulations, and scooter dynamics, Compass Consulting Engineers has experts on staff who can reconstruct accidents involving these two-wheelers. As urban mobility evolves, so do the risks associated with these alternative modes of transportation. Bicycles, electric bicycles (E-bikes), and scooters have become increasingly popular for commuting and leisure, but unfortunately accidents involving these vehicles can lead to serious consequences.

Injury Severity

Accidents between bicycles/E-bikes/scooters and motor vehicles often result in severe injuries to the operator of these two-wheelers due to the weight and speed disparities.

Fractures, head trauma, and spinal injuries are common outcomes for these more vulnerable road users.

Intersection Collisions

Intersections can pose unique challenges and complex scenarios for cyclists, E-bike riders, and scooter users.
Conflicting traffic flows, blind spots, and right-of-way issues can lead to these types of crashes.

Loss of Control

Single-rider accidents can occur when a cyclist or scooter rider loses control due to obstacles, potholes, component failure, or sudden maneuvers.
Broken bones, abrasions, and head injuries are common consequences.
Helmets and protective gear play a crucial role in mitigating injuries.

Reduced Visibility

Accidents involving bicycles, E-bikes, and scooters often occur during low-light conditions.
Lack of proper lighting increases the risk of collisions with other vehicles and pedestrians.
Inadequate reflective gear exacerbates the problem

MITIGATING ROADWAY HAZARDS

Understanding Guardrails & Edge Drop

Compass Consulting Engineers specializes in evaluating the effectiveness of guardrails and assessing edge drop scenarios to enhance roadway safety. Our analysis includes thorough examination of roadside hazards and their impact on accident patterns, enabling us to identify design flaws and implement corrective measures. By understanding the dynamics of the road environment, we provide valuable insights that mitigate risks for motorists and prevent accidents.

Collision Mitigation

Guardrails serve as protective barriers along roads and highways. They shield vehicles from hazards such as steep drop-offs, trees, or other obstacles.
During a collision, guardrails absorb impact forces, preventing vehicles from careening off the road and potentially saving lives.

Energy Channeling

When a vehicle collides with a guardrail, it channels energy away from the vehicle. The guardrail transforms kinetic energy into deformation energy, minimizing injury severity.
Properly designed and placed guardrails play a crucial role in redirecting collision forces and reducing the risk of more severe accidents.

How OUR EXPERTS Can Help

HOW OUR EXPERTS CAN HELP

Accident Reconstruction: We analyze collision dynamics including vehicle speeds and impact angles to provide accurate accident reconstructions. Root Cause: Our forensic experts analyze road surfaces, evaluate braking distances, consider sightlines, signal timing, and signage effectiveness. We can help determine whether design flaws or maintenance issues contributed to an accident.
Injury Patterns and Biomechanics: By considering factors like fractures, contusions, abrasions, and head injuries, our biomechanics experts can provide valuable insights into how an injury occurred and identify contributing factors related to the accident.

Accident Reconstruction: We analyze collision dynamics including vehicle speeds and impact angles to provide accurate accident reconstructions. Root Cause: Our forensic experts analyze road surfaces, evaluate braking distances, consider sightlines, signal timing, and signage effectiveness. We can help determine whether design flaws or maintenance issues contributed to an accident.
Injury Patterns and Biomechanics: By considering factors like fractures, contusions, abrasions, and head injuries, our biomechanics experts can provide valuable insights into how an injury occurred and identify contributing factors related to the accident.