COST 357,

nicknamed PROHELM, researches Accident Pr evention O ptions with Motorcycle Helm ets. As stated in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), riders of powered two-wheeled vehicles, like motorcycles, account for about 14% of all traffic fatalities in the EU, or over 6000 persons annually. Statistics make clear that an integral motorcycle helmet (full facial protection) is a life-saver in an accident, but do not address the question of whether the helmet has been optimised for the cognitive needs of the wearer, such as minimising distraction due to noise or thermal discomfort, maximising useful visual information, and providing the necessary air exchange. At the same time, because automobile drivers are responsible for about ½ of all PTW accidents, the helmet could play an important role in optimising the visibility, or conspicuity, of the PTW-rider combination, since it is generally the highest visible point and can be seen from all sides. To summarise, we aim at learning how the cognitive abilities of PTW-riders are influenced by the helmet construction, and how the cognitive abilities of other drivers could be influenced. In particular, we would like to parameterise these aspects of motorcycle helmets, so that it becomes possible to measure them. This is the first effort which encompasses researchers from the necessary breadth of backgrounds to address the complex issues involved, and it benefits from a wide geographic variation as well.

The Action runs until November 14 2009, and is administered by the Management Committee, which represents the signatory nations. The research and reporting activities are organised into ten Tasks carried out by four Working Groups. See the other links on this site for more information about these.

The COST programme provides support for researchers to meet, but does not provide direct funding for the research activities. COST 357 would therefore also welcome the involvement of institutes or persons who would like to fund research in these topics, or whose research in these topics is already funded. Furthermore, COST 357 is continually seeking input from other researchers in the areas that we cover. Please make all contacts through the Chair of the Action, Dr. Paul Brühwiler.