SHOULD MOTORCYCLES BE OPERATED WITHIN THE LEGAL ALCOHOL LIMITS FOR AUTOMOBILES

A motorcycle simulator was used to assess operating performance of 14 experienced motorcyclists with varying breath alcohol concentrations. Riding error scores in three defensive and evasive maneuvers plus dist ance traveled in a standard time period were documented at baseline an d at predetermined intervals following controlled alcohol consumption. The results revealed a positive correlation between total errors and breath alcohol concentrations within a range well below the commonly a ccepted legal limit of intoxication of 0.10 mg/dL. There was a highly significant increase (p < 0.0055) in an operator's tendency to leave t he roadway (an error that is frequently fatal for motorcyclists), as w ell as a reduction in ability to complete a timed course. Moreover, pe rformance errors increased while operators were ''sobering up,'' a dra matic finding not heretofore established in previous studies. Since th e present definition of the legal limit of intoxication for motorcycli sts is based on automobile studies, noted increases in reaction time a nd performance errors support the hypothesis that ''legal alcohol leve ls'' should be lowered for motorcycle operators.