Hurt Report

The Hurt Report is the common name for Motorcycle Accident Cause Factors and Identification of Countermeasures, a study published in 1981 by a team at the University of Southern California led by Professor Harry Hurt. It combined about 900 on-scene crash investigations in the Los Angeles area with an analysis of around 3,600 police reports.

Among its best-known findings: in many multi-vehicle crashes the other driver failed to see the motorcycle and violated its right of way, often at junctions; and helmets significantly reduced head injuries without increasing neck injuries.

Later studies such as the European MAIDS project broadly confirmed many conclusions, which is why the lessons on visibility, junction awareness and protective gear are still taught today.