The GEAR study

A 12 month study of protective clothing and injuries in crashes

Does protective clothing actually reduce or prevent long-term injury in a crash? How effective are impact protectors?

These are some of the questions to be addressed in a study to look at the performance of motorcycle protective gear in real world crashes.

“Previous studies have looked only at injured riders, but to get the whole picture we want to include everyone who is involved in road crash in the ACT, whether they were injured or not.” said researcher Liz de Rome of The George Institute for International Health.

The aim is to provide Australian riders with better information about the protective clothing they wear. It will also provide valuable feedback to the motorcycle clothing industry about their products.

Casey Stoner, the current MotoGP world champion, is supporting the study, which is funded by Swann Insurance. Stoner believes that the effectiveness of motorcycle protective clothing should come under the microscope. “Whether you are out on a race track or riding on a road – accidents can happen and you need to know that your clothing will give you the maximum possible protection.”

Riders who agree to take part will be interviewed by the researchers within two weeks of the crash to establish what happened, what they were wearing and record any injuries. After six weeks and then again six months later they will be sent some follow-up questions about their recovery progress. Participation is confidential and individual riders will not be identified in any of the reports on the findings of the research.

If you have been in a motorcycle or scooter crash since 1st June, 2008, whether you were hurt or not, the researchers would like to talk to you.

If you attended a hospital or if you have taken your bike to a repair shop following a crash in the ACT, you may be invited to take part. You can also contact the researchers directly on: 1800 105 945 or email: gear@george.org.au

If you would like further information, a brochure about the study can be downloaded here.

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