Assessing the Fit and Comfort of Motorcycle Safety Gear
New collection (Request for a new OMB Control Number)
No
Regular
12/01/2025
table that charts list comparision
Requested
Previously Approved
36 Months From Approved
1,250
0
341
0
0
0
NHTSA seeks approval from OMB for a new information collection request to assess the fit, comfort, and preference of motorcyclistsâ safety gear. The proposed study aims to address the pressing need to understand the relationship between the fit and comfort of personal protective motorcycle gear and the decision to use gear. This information collection will be a one-time voluntary collection involving assessments of motorcycle safety gear (i.e., footwear, gloves, helmets, jackets, and pants).
In 2022, there were 6,218 motorcyclists killed in traffic crashes, comprising 15 percent of all traffic fatalities and 19 percent of all motor vehicle occupant (driver and passenger) fatalities, representing a fatality rate per vehicle miles traveled nearly 22 times that of passenger car occupants. These findings demonstrate the inherent risk of motorcycle riding and highlight the importance of wearing personal protective gear. Nonetheless, not all motorcyclists use gear on every ride.
There are many reasons why a motorcycle rider may not wear protective gear, such as a sense of âpersonal freedom,â âItâs more fun to ride without a helmet,â skepticism about the protective value of helmets, and the discomfort of wearing a helmet. Even when protective gear is worn, ill-fitting gear or improperly worn gear could compromise protection. NHTSA provides specific information on its website about finding the right fit and identifying unsafe helmets, but the extent to which motorcyclists wear helmets that fit and are worn safely is unknown. Additionally, the requirements for an effective fit may vary by the type of motorcycle, riding style, and riding positions.
To encourage greater and proper usage of protective gear, it is crucial to understand the factors contributing to non-adherence to safety recommendations. NHTSA is conducting this study to investigate riders' beliefs, attitudes, and perceptions regarding gear fit and comfort, and to assess the fit and comfort of gear in use.
The study plans to screen 1,250 riders to reach the targeted 625 study participants with an equal number of riders of standard, cruiser, sport and adventure/touring motorcycles, and seated motor scooters; gather information about the protective gear the riders use; and assess the fit and comfort of the gear. Participation will be voluntary and anonymous.
Participants will be recruited at locations where riders gather such as rallies, and other organized social or training events. Study staff will observe gear worn by riders, assess the fit of one type of protective gear (i.e., footwear, gloves, helmet, jacket, or pants) per participant, and ask riders for their opinions about the fit and comfort of the protective gear type of interest (one type of gear per participant). Additionally, study staff will use a tablet to show participants a series of images of examples of the protective gear type of interest that range in protective value (e.g., half helmet, full-face helmet); the examples will include a description of the item (e.g., composition material, ventilation/waterproof features) but not the brand name. Participants will rate each example in terms of its perceived protection and the likelihood they would use or purchase it. The intention of this collection is to learn about the experiences and perceptions of riders regarding protective gear. The collected information will inform NHTSAâs development of programs as it looks for ways to improve rider safety while still prioritizing rider comfort to ensure riding remains an enjoyable experience.
NHTSA will use the collected information to produce a technical report with aggregate (summary) statistics and tables only; no personally identifiable information will be retained or reported. The technical report will be distributed to audiences interested in improving highway safety.
US Code:
23 USC 403
Name of Law: Highway Safety Act
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
Form NHTSA 2005 Motorcycle Pants Survey
Supporting Statement Part A - Assessing the Fit and Comfort of Motorcycle Safety Gear 12-1-2025.docx
30-day FRN MC Fit and Comfort 2025-21598.pdf
Rider Partially Participates - Screened, Consented, Began One Survey Type