From Austrian and German figures it is estimated that 1,500 deaths occur each year from motorcyclists colliding with crash barrier vertical support posts in Europe. CBPs decrease impact peak force and deceleration rate, and can triple impact time leading to less fractures and amputations. MAG Austria's initiative will result in a total of 10,000 mounted protectors this year in Austria, having been paid for by riders and retailers.
Kuhle Wampe's efforts in 1984 resulted in Germany spending DM1.5 million after the Transport Department approved their use. MAG hope that the protectors will be brought to the attention of national road safety experts and be adopted in official road safety programmes. The Commission says this is an area of national responsibility. LMI in Luxembourg have 180 CBPs and in July will place them on dangerous stretches of road. Full information on CBPs is available from FEM in Brussels.