New app aims to improve rider safety

A new app has been launched that asks riders to report crashes and near-misses, which not only informs other users of contributing factors and potential dangers, but which also claims to “inform the development of strategies designed to enhance motorcyclist safety”.

Developed by a research group at the Centre for Human Factors and Sociotechnical Systems, University of the Sunshine Coast, and funded through the ACT Road Safety Fund Grants Program, the new MotoSafe app receives the user-generated data and collates it into what it’s calling a National Incident Dataset.

According to the university, the dataset will then be analysed by the research group so it can then inform the industry to support system-level changes from a national perspective.

Once downloaded and registered, users are also asked to log the number of hours and kilometres they ride each week – data the group says improves accuracy when calculating the rate of incidents that are occurring.

Users can then access a summary of the incidents reported in their area and garner information around any hazards that may be present when they’re riding. The group also makes clear that despite asking users to register and log their incidents, none of the submitted data will be identifiable against individual users.

The MotoSafe app is free to download and to use and is available for both Apple and Android phones. All users must be at least 18 years old to register.