To the Moon and Not Back; Full Moon & Fatal Motorcycle Accidents Volume 3 - Issue 5

Divya R¹* and Ashok V²

• ¹Department of Physiology, Dr MGR Medical University, India
• ²Biochemistry, Karpagam Faculty of medical sciences and research, Dr MGR Medical University, India

Received: November 19, 2019;   Published: December 02, 2019

*Corresponding author: Divya R, Department of Physiology, Dr MGR Medical University, India

DOI: 10.32474/PRJFGS.2019.03.000175

 

Abstract PDF

Abstract

Road traffic accidents, involving Motorcycles is one of the most common cause of mortality in this modern world. Transitory distraction is an important cause for fatality in road traffic accidents as it clarifies an indefinite (Figure 1) of fatal motorcycle crashes. The full moon owns a few features like larger size, bright luminance and sporadic abrupt onset captivates stimulus motivated attention. In particular, glancing at the full moon takes away the motorcyclist’s contemplation off the road, which results in forfeiture control while driving

Keywords: Full moon; Motorcyclist; Fatal Motorcycle crashes; safety precautions; Traffic rules

To the Moon and Not Back; Full Moon & Fatal Motorcycle Accidents

Fatal motorcycle crashes

Road traffic accidents, involving Motorcycles is one of the most common cause of mortality in this modern world. In fact, the mortality due to motorcycle accidents have amplified in recent times. For millions of adults, driving the motorcycle may be one of the most dangerous behaviour affianced in routine life. Transitory distraction is an important cause for fatality in road traffic accidents as it clarifies an indefinite (Figure 1) of fatal motorcycle crashes. [1]

How does the moon distract?

A full moon is a spring of captivation since time immemorial. It befalls for about 12 in a year. [2] Recent research reveals that fatal motorcycle accidents take place because of noticeable distraction of the motorcyclist’s concentration deviated to the full moon. [3] The full moon owns a few features like larger size, bright luminance and sporadic abrupt onset (As the full moon unpredictably appears after being corked) that captivates stimulus motivated attention. [1] In particular, glancing at the full moon takes away the motorcyclist’s contemplation off the road, which results in forfeiture control while driving. [4] The full moon may also lead to aberrations in adjoining traffic demeanours, like side-tracking erstwhile motorists or pedestrians from noticing an onrushing motorcycle [5]. A Population based cross sectional analysis studied 13,029 motorcycle mortalities that happened in United States from 1975 to 2014 a long duration of 40 years. They found that the full moon is allied with an amplified risk of fatal motorcycle accidents. The studies from the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia also showcased the amplified risk of mortality in motorcycle crashes during the full moon [1].

Tips for safe driving in a full moon night

1. During a full moon, the motorcyclist has to be extra careful while driving.
2. While riding Constant attention should be focused only on driving, Usage of mobile phones and Bluetooth audio headphones has to strictly avoided while driving.
3. Following the standard safety procedures such as increasing visibility, protective clothing and upholding the motorcycle in a good condition.
4. Adapting safety precautions such as using a helmet, following traffic rules strictly, triggering headlights, skimming through the surface of the road for defects, being cautious of left sidemoving vehicles, and avoiding stunts while riding.
5. Avoid momentary loss of attention span due to distractions, even if distracted regain the attention immediately [1].

Acknowledgments

None.

Conflicts of interest

The authors declare there is no conflict of interest.

References

1. Redelmeier DA, Shafir E (2017) The full moon and motorcycle related mortality: population based double control study. BMJ359: j5367.
2. Sarton G (1939) Lunar influences on living things. Isis 30(3):495-507.
3. Schweizer TA, Kan K, Hung Y, Tam F, Naglie G (2013) Brain activity during driving with distraction: an immersive fMRI study. Front Hum Neurosci7: 53.
4. Klauer SG, Guo F, SimonsMorton BG, Ouimet MC, Lee SE(2014) Distracted driving and risk of road crashes among novice and experienced drivers. N Engl J Med 370:54-59.
5. Smith AP (2016) A UK survey of driving behaviour, fatigue, risk taking and road traffic accidents. BMJ Open6:e011461.