Stories
Slash Boxes
Comments

SoylentNews is people

posted by Fnord666 on Wednesday December 13 2017, @08:43AM   Printer-friendly
from the dark-side-of-the-moon dept.

Full moons and particularly "supermoons" have been linked to increased deaths of motorcyclists:

Distracted drivers, like those who text behind the wheel, are a danger to themselves and to others. Even a brief, momentary glance away from the road can result in life-threatening consequences.

Research published Dec. 11 in The BMJ [open, DOI: 10.1136/bmj.j5367] [DX] points toward another potential distraction for motorists: the full moon, gracing the sky with its brightness around 12 times a year, and the dazzling supermoon, which comes into focus around once a year.

The researchers found that on nights illuminated by a full moon, fatal motorcycle accidents increased by 5 percent compared to nights without a full moon. On evenings when the supermoon decorated the sky, this increased to 32 percent. The study included data from the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.

While this observational data cannot prove any firm conclusions, the researchers warn drivers of the risks of seemingly minor distractions, urging constant attention while driving at all times.


Original Submission

 
This discussion has been archived. No new comments can be posted.
Display Options Threshold/Breakthrough Mark All as Read Mark All as Unread
The Fine Print: The following comments are owned by whoever posted them. We are not responsible for them in any way.
  • (Score: 3, Insightful) by Freeman on Wednesday December 13 2017, @05:24PM (3 children)

    by Freeman (732) on Wednesday December 13 2017, @05:24PM (#609279) Journal

    How many of the crashes involved sportbikes? I've seen plenty of dumb sportbike drivers. You hear them as they are next to you and zooming off at some insane speed. At least you can hear the Harley, before it's right next to you. Admittedly perhaps a bit on the loud side usually, but it's definitely much easier to notice them. I also haven't seen a Harley rider doing anywhere near the same stupid stuff I've seen many sportbike riders doing.

    --
    Joshua 1:9 "Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee"
    Starting Score:    1  point
    Moderation   +1  
       Insightful=1, Total=1
    Extra 'Insightful' Modifier   0  
    Karma-Bonus Modifier   +1  

    Total Score:   3  
  • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday December 13 2017, @07:00PM

    by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday December 13 2017, @07:00PM (#609319)

    Yeah, organ donors on their crotch rockets.

  • (Score: 4, Insightful) by CoolHand on Wednesday December 13 2017, @09:26PM (1 child)

    by CoolHand (438) on Wednesday December 13 2017, @09:26PM (#609397) Journal
    I don't ride a sportsbike, and I generally endeavor to ride as safely as possible. However, I've found myself staring up at a full moon before for periods definitely longer that what might be wise. As they teach you in basic riding courses, "your bike is going to follow where you're looking," so that is definitely a bad thing. Even armed with that knowledge, however, there is a certain primitive draw that is almost inescapable calling out when you're riding over flat open spaces and that beautiful orb is shining right above you...
    --
    Anyone who is capable of getting themselves made President should on no account be allowed to do the job-Douglas Adams
    • (Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday December 13 2017, @11:13PM

      by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday December 13 2017, @11:13PM (#609467)

      Tomorrow, I want you to take that R2 unit to Anchorhead and have its memory erased. That'll be the end of it.