Ciclomotori e motocicli: utenti deboli della strada?

Mopeds and motorcycles are among the most complex and significant categories in the road accidents statistics. But how can we classify them? Are they vulnerable road users, or not? An analysis of road accidents data using the "weak road users" and the "strong road users" criteria shows that PTW represent the most vulnerable road user in the 27% of the accidents that took place in the Province of Brescia in the period 2005 - 2009. PTW do not have, indeed, a body that protects drivers and passengers. They are less stable, and they have less grip than other vehicles, because they have only two contact points with the soil. Therefore, the European Commission considers PTW safety as a matter of priority. In Italy, in 2010, 71,108 accidents involved mopeds or motorcycles, causing 1,240 deaths. The University of Brescia - DICATAM department will implement, within the EU project ROSEE (Road Safety in South East European regions), a pilot initiative focused on PTW safety in the Province of Brescia.