Most of us are aware of restrictions here about discussion of certain topics that might lead to unsafe practices. For example, we cannot discusses mains powered equipment unless there is a transformer. It is stated that power supplies without a transformer, "can't be made safe."
I have seen a fair number of deaths related to motorcycles, which raises the question of whether motorcycles, "can be made safe." The fact that a lot are in use and many members here enjoy riding them is irrelevant to that argument. Many of us use electrical equipment that is not isolated from the mains too.
Some facts (US):
Motorcycle deaths (2008) -- 5,290
Accidental death from electric shock per year -- <1000*
The number of Americans potentially exposed to mains electricity probably far exceeds the number who ride motorcycles. If we continue to discuss motorcycles -- they can't be made safe -- , I suggest that they be covered under exactly the same rules as apply to any motor vehicle, including modifications to their lighting systems.
Alternatively, let's revisit some of the existing rules on shock and automobiles.
John
Sources:
1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_motorcycle_deaths_in_U.S._by_year
2) Data on deaths from electric shock were harder to find. I had hoped the MMWR (CDC) would have them, but it had nothing recent. These sources estimate such deaths at less than 1000 per year in the US:
http://www.answers.com/topic/electric-shock-injuries
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_shock
I have seen a fair number of deaths related to motorcycles, which raises the question of whether motorcycles, "can be made safe." The fact that a lot are in use and many members here enjoy riding them is irrelevant to that argument. Many of us use electrical equipment that is not isolated from the mains too.
Some facts (US):
Motorcycle deaths (2008) -- 5,290
Accidental death from electric shock per year -- <1000*
The number of Americans potentially exposed to mains electricity probably far exceeds the number who ride motorcycles. If we continue to discuss motorcycles -- they can't be made safe -- , I suggest that they be covered under exactly the same rules as apply to any motor vehicle, including modifications to their lighting systems.
Alternatively, let's revisit some of the existing rules on shock and automobiles.
John
Sources:
1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_motorcycle_deaths_in_U.S._by_year
2) Data on deaths from electric shock were harder to find. I had hoped the MMWR (CDC) would have them, but it had nothing recent. These sources estimate such deaths at less than 1000 per year in the US:
http://www.answers.com/topic/electric-shock-injuries
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_shock