Agency Information Collection Activities; Notice and Request for Comment; Assessing the Fit and Comfort of Motorcycle Safety Gear, 2779-2781 [2025-00406]
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Federal Register / Vol. 90, No. 7 / Monday, January 13, 2025 / Notices
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1
III. FRA’s Authority To Waive Buy
America Requirements
FRA can waive its Buy America
requirements in limited circumstances.
FRA will grant a waiver that is
consistent with the statutory criteria.
FRA may waive its Buy America
requirements if FRA determines that
applying the Buy America requirements
would be inconsistent with the public
interest; the steel, iron, and goods
produced in the United States are not
produced in a sufficient and reasonably
available amount or are not of
satisfactory quality; rolling stock or
power train equipment cannot be
bought and delivered in the United
States within a reasonable time; or
including domestic material would
increase the cost of the overall project
by more than 25 percent (49 U.S.C.
22905(a)(2); see also Pub. L. 117–58,
sec. 70914(b); prescribing similar
statutory conditions for waivers).
FRA may issue a general applicability
waiver when doing so is necessary to
advance the agency’s mission and goals.
This waiver would apply generally
across FRA’s grant programs.2 In
addition, a waiver in the public interest
is appropriate when the agency
determines that other important policy
goals cannot be achieved consistent
with FRA’s Buy America requirements
and the Buy America requirements
established by BABA, and the proposed
waiver does not meet the requirements
for a non-availability or unreasonable
cost waiver.3
If FRA determines a waiver is
appropriate, FRA will provide notice
and seek comment from the public.
IV. Proposed Waiver
FRA has determined that applying its
Buy America requirements to the
purchase of Tier 0, Tier 1, and nontiered locomotives for the purpose of
rehabilitating or remanufacturing the
locomotive to significantly reduce
emissions would be inconsistent with
the public interest as it would be overly
burdensome or, in some instances, not
possible to verify whether the used
locomotive is fully compliant with
FRA’s Buy America requirements. To
advance rail projects that deploy more
efficient locomotives, reduce emissions,
address environmental burdens on
communities, and create domestic jobs,
FRA proposes to waive its Buy America
requirements for the purchase of used
Tier 0, Tier 1, and non-tiered
locomotives, provided that the used
locomotive:
• has been in continuous service in
the United States from the date of
manufacture;
• was not purchased outside the
United States;
• was manufactured prior to 2004
(line haul or switch); and
• will be used in an FRA-funded
project that will result in a significant
reduction in emissions.
The proposed waiver does not apply
to any other manufactured products,
steel, or iron used in the FRA-funded
project, nor does it apply to the
purchase of any new items necessary for
the project, such as the battery system
and its components. FRA is not
proposing to waive any applicable
BABA requirements, and the proposed
waiver does not apply to any
construction materials.
The proposed waiver would be
effective for five years from the date the
final waiver is issued and would apply
to awards obligated within that period.
V. Request for Comment
FRA will consider comments received
during the 15-day public comment
period. FRA may consider comments
received after this period to the extent
practicable. Consistent with 49 U.S.C.
22905(a)(4), following the public
comment period, if FRA determines it is
necessary to waive its Buy America
requirements, FRA will publish its
decision in the Federal Register and
provide an opportunity for public
comment on such finding for a
reasonable period not to exceed 15 days.
After such a period, FRA’s decision will
be effective.
FRA also seeks input from the public
as to whether it should consider issuing
a separate waiver for any other products
required to manufacture locomotive
batteries or locomotive charging stations
and equipment due to their
nonavailability in the domestic market.
Issued in Washington, DC.
Amitabha Bose,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2025–00443 Filed 1–10–25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–06–P
2 See Implementation Guidance on Application of
Buy America Preference in Federal Financial
Assistance Programs for Infrastructure, M–24–02, at
p. 13 (Oct. 25, 2023).
3 Id., at p. 11.
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2779
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration
[Docket No. NHTSA–2024–0051]
Agency Information Collection
Activities; Notice and Request for
Comment; Assessing the Fit and
Comfort of Motorcycle Safety Gear
National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA),
Department of Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice and request for public
comment on a request for approval of a
new collection of information.
AGENCY:
The National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA) invites
public comments about our intention to
request approval from the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) for a
new information collection. Before a
Federal agency can collect certain
information from the public, it must
receive approval from OMB. Under
procedures established by the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995,
before seeking OMB approval, Federal
agencies must solicit public comment
on proposed collections of information,
including extensions and reinstatement
of previously approved collections. This
document describes a new collection of
information for which NHTSA intends
to seek OMB approval to gather
information on the personal protective
equipment (PPE) motorcyclists wear
including helmets and riding jackets,
pants, boots, and gloves, how well the
PPE fits, and how comfortable riders
find it to be.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before March 14, 2025.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
identified by Docket No. NHTSA–2024–
0051 using any of the following
methods:
• Electronic submissions: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
online instructions for submitting
comments.
• Fax: 1–202–493–2251.
• Mail or Hand Delivery: Docket
Management Facility, U.S. Department
of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE, West Building between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays. To be
sure someone is there to help you,
please call (202) 366–9322 before
coming.
Instructions: Each submission must
include the agency name and the docket
number for this Notice. Note that all
comments received will be posted
without change to https://
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\13JAN1.SGM
13JAN1
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1
2780
Federal Register / Vol. 90, No. 7 / Monday, January 13, 2025 / Notices
www.regulations.gov, including any
personal information provided. Please
see the Privacy Act heading below.
Privacy Act: Anyone is able to search
the electronic form of all comments
received into any of our dockets by the
name of the individual submitting the
comment (or signing the comment, if
submitted on behalf of an association,
business, labor union, etc.). You may
review DOT’s complete Privacy Act
Statement in the Federal Register
published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR
19477–78) or you may visit https://
www.transportation.gov/privacy.
Docket: For access to the docket to
read background documents or
comments received, go to https://
www.regulations.gov or the street
address listed above. Follow the online
instructions for accessing the dockets
via internet.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For
additional information or access to
background documents, contact Dr.
Kathryn Wochinger, Contracting
Officer’s Representative, Office of
Behavioral Safety Research (NPD–310),
(202) 366–4300, National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC
20590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA)
(44 U.S.C 3501 et seq.), before an agency
submits a proposed collection of
information to OMB for approval, it
must first publish a document in the
Federal Register providing a 60-day
comment period and otherwise consult
with members of the public and affected
agencies concerning each proposed
collection of information. The OMB has
promulgated regulations describing
what must be included in such a
document. Under OMB’s regulations (at
5 CFR 1320.8(d)), an agency must ask
for public comment on the following: (i)
whether the proposed collection of
information is necessary for the proper
performance of the functions of the
agency, including whether the
information will have practical utility;
(ii) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate
of the burden of the proposed collection
of information, including the validity of
the methodology and assumptions used;
(iii) how to enhance the quality, utility,
and clarity of the information to be
collected; and (iv) how to minimize the
burden of the collection of information
on those who are to respond, including
the use of appropriate automated,
electronic, mechanical, or other
technological collection techniques or
other forms of information technology,
for example, permitting electronic
submission of responses. In compliance
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:48 Jan 09, 2025
Jkt 265001
with these requirements, NHTSA asks
for public comments on the following
proposed collection of information for
which the agency is seeking approval
from OMB.
Title: Assessing the Fit and Comfort of
Motorcycle Safety Gear.
OMB Control Number: New.
Form Numbers: NHTSA Form 2000,
NHTSA Form 2001, NHTSA Form 2002,
NHTSA Form 2003, NHTSA Form 2004,
and NHTSA Form 2005.
Type of Request: New information
collection.
Type of Review Requested: Regular.
Requested Expiration Date of
Approval: 3 years from date of approval.
Summary of the Collection of
Information: NHTSA is seeking
approval for a new, one-time
information collection from a targeted
sample of 625 motorcycle riders (from
1,250 screened for potential
participation) about their use and
preference for motorcycle protective
gear. The study will involve recruiting
motorcyclists attending motorcycle
events to gather information on the
protective gear they are wearing
(including footwear, gloves, helmets,
jackets, pants) about the perceived and
assessed fit and comfort. The study will
allow NHTSA to assess the relationship
between perceived and objectively
measured fit, rider beliefs about the
protective value of gear, and factors
influencing the selection and use of
protective gear.
Participants will be recruited at
locations where riders gather such as
rallies, training events, or other
organized events. The study plan is to
recruit an equal number of riders of
standard, cruiser, sport, adventure/
touring motorcycles, and seated motor
scooters. Depending on the venue, the
study team will either invite riders to
participate at a study tent or conduct the
survey near the rider’s motorcycle.
Study staff will observe gear worn by
riders, assess the fit of the gear, and ask
riders for their opinions about the fit
and comfort of the gear. Data collection
will involve the use of a portable tablet
for the consent process, and for
recording participant responses and
staff observations. Participants will selfadminister some portions of the survey,
while data collectors will verbally ask
the participants about their gear during
the gear assessments. Anthropometric
measurements (e.g., head
circumference) will be taken using
ribbon tape or an anthropometer as
appropriate depending on the gear type
being assessed.
The study plan is to assess one type
of gear (e.g., jackets) per respondent.
Additionally, to obtain information on
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Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
respondents’ perspectives of different
types of gear, study staff will use a table
to present images of the gear type being
assessed (one type per respondent). The
images will be of gear ranging in quality;
they will include product descriptions
but no brand names. Participants will be
asked to rate the protection afforded by
the gear, its quality, and the likelihood
of wearing or purchasing it.
All data collection activities will be
voluntary and anonymous. This
collection only requires respondents to
report their answers; there are no
record-keeping costs to the respondents.
NHTSA will use the information to
produce a technical report that presents
summary statistics and tables; a deidentified data set will also be made
available to the public. No identifying
information will be reported. The study
will advance our understanding of how
the fit and comfort of gear influences the
choice to use or not use gear. This
information will inform the
development of NHTSA outreach and
education motorcycle safety programs.
The technical report will be distributed
to stakeholders in highway safety and
the public.
Description of the Need for the
Information and Proposed Use of the
Information: NHTSA was established to
reduce deaths, injuries, and economic
losses resulting from motor vehicle
crashes on the Nation’s highways. As
part of this statutory mandate, NHTSA
is authorized to conduct research for the
development of traffic safety programs.
Title 23, United States Code, chapter 4,
section 403 gives the Secretary of
Transportation (NHTSA by delegation)
authorization to use funds appropriated
to conduct research and development
activities. The agency develops,
promotes, and implements educational,
engineering, and enforcement programs
with the goal of ending preventable
tragedies and reducing economic costs
associated with vehicle use and
highway travel. Having current data is
essential to develop appropriate
approaches to improve traffic safety.
This is especially true for information
on vulnerable road users, such as
motorcyclists, where data is much more
limited.
In 2022, there were 6,218
motorcyclists killed in traffic crashes,
comprising 15 percent of all traffic
fatalities that year and representing a
fatality rate per vehicle miles traveled of
26.16, nearly 22 times that of passenger
car occupants (1.20).1 These findings
1 National Center for Statistics and Analysis.
(2024, July). Motorcycles: 2022 data (Traffic Safety
Facts. Report No. DOT HS 813 589). National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
E:\FR\FM\13JAN1.SGM
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Federal Register / Vol. 90, No. 7 / Monday, January 13, 2025 / Notices
demonstrate the inherent risk of
motorcycle riding and highlight the
importance of wearing personal
protective gear, especially a helmet, but
including footwear, gloves, jacket, and
pants. Nonetheless, not all motorcyclists
use gear on every ride.
The proposed study addresses the
need to understand the relationship
between the fit and comfort of personal
protective gear and the decision to use
gear. The results will assist NHTSA
develop its programmatic activities in
motorcycle safety by providing
information on the types of gear being
used, the comfort and fit of gear in use,
and deterrents to using protective gear.
Frequency of Collection: This study is
intended to be a one-time data
collection. Because data collection may
occur at multiple events, there is a
remote chance an individual could
participate more than once. This is not
expected, however, as potential
participants will not know data
collection locations or times.
Affected Public: This study will
recruit volunteers who are riders of
selected types of motorcycles (standard,
cruiser, sport, adventure/touring,
scooter) at the data collection locations.
Motorcyclists passing by the data
collection locations will be recruited to
voluntarily participate in an assessment
of the fit of their current protective gear
(if worn). They will be asked to review
images of selected gear and provide
their opinions on the gears’ protective
capabilities, usability, and perceived
quality.
Estimated Number of Respondents:
The study expects to contact
approximately 1,250 motorcyclists at
the data collection locations to obtain
responses from 625 motorcyclists (125
per type of motorcycle).
Estimated Total Annual Burden
Hours: The total amount of burden is
estimated to be 340.42 hours. This
includes the estimated 312.5 hours for
the 625 participates who fully
participate, with an average completion
time of 30 minutes, and the 18.75 hours
for the estimated 75 people who will
partially participate, spending 15
minutes on average, and 9.17 hours for
the estimated 550 people who received
screening items but decline to
participate, spending on average of 1
minute.
Estimated Total Annual Burden Cost:
The total annual burden cost is
estimated to be $15,520 with an annual
burden cost of $5,034 (total/3) (see
Table 1). Participation in this study is
voluntary and there are no costs to
respondents beyond the time spent
hearing about the study and
participating in data collection if they
decide to participate. Participants will
incur no burden related to annual
reporting or record keeping due to the
collection of this new information.
TABLE 1—SUMMARY OF TOTAL BURDEN HOURS AND ESTIMATED COSTS BY TYPE OF PARTICIPATION
Number of
respondents
Type of participation
Minutes per
respondent
Estimated
wage per
hour *
Total
estimated
burden hours
Estimated cost
Rider Fully Participates ........................................................
Rider Does Not Fully Participate .........................................
Rider Screened but Does Not Participate ...........................
625
75
550
30
15
1
$45.97
45.97
45.59
312.5
18.75
9.17
$14,365.00
861.90
418.06
Grand Total ...................................................................
1,250
........................
........................
340.42
(340)
15,519.75
(15,520)
ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1
* September 2024 total private average hourly earnings (fully loaded at 30%) from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics at https://www.bls.gov/
news.release/empsit.t19.htm.
Public Comments Invited: You are
asked to comment on any aspects of this
information collection, including (i)
whether the proposed collection of
information is necessary for the proper
performance of the functions of the
Department, including whether the
information will have practical utility;
(ii) the accuracy of the Department’s
estimate of the burden of the proposed
information collection; (iii) ways to
enhance the quality, utility and clarity
of the information to be collected; and
(iv) ways to minimize the burden of the
collection of information on
respondents, including the use of
automated collection techniques or
other forms of information technology.
Authority: The Paperwork Reduction
Act of 1995; 44 U.S.C. chapter 35, as
amended; 49 CFR 1.49; and DOT Order
1351.29A.
Nanda Narayanan Srinivasan,
Associate Administrator, Research and
Program Development.
[FR Doc. 2025–00406 Filed 1–10–25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–59–P
VerDate Sep<11>2014
18:48 Jan 09, 2025
Jkt 265001
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Office of the Secretary
[Docket No. DOT–OST–2025–0002]
Draft Designation of National
Multimodal Freight Network and State
Input Process
Office of the Secretary of
Transportation (OST), Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA), Federal
Railroad Administration (FRA),
Maritime Administration (MARAD),
Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration (FMCSA), Great Lakes
St. Lawrence Seaway Development
Corporation (GLS), and Pipelines and
Hazardous Materials Safety
Administration (PHMSA), Department
of Transportation.
ACTION: Draft designation and request
for comment; response to comments.
AGENCY:
The U.S. Department of
Transportation (DOT or Department) is
publishing a draft designation of the
SUMMARY:
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National Multimodal Freight Network
(NMFN or Network) as required Federal
law. The designation is informed by the
comments received on a notice
published by DOT on April 12, 2024.
DOT is also using this notice to request
comments or proposed modifications to
the draft Network prior to designating
the Network. Once the Network is
designated by DOT, States will have the
opportunity to submit additional
designations through the ‘‘State Input’’
process required by statute.
Comments must be received on
or before February 27, 2025 to receive
consideration by DOT with respect to
the draft designation of the NMFN.
DATES:
To ensure that you do not
duplicate your docket submissions,
please submit them by only one of the
following means:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov and follow
the online instructions for submitting
comments.
• Mail: Docket Management Facility,
U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200
ADDRESSES:
E:\FR\FM\13JAN1.SGM
13JAN1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 7 (Monday, January 13, 2025)]
[Notices]
[Pages 2779-2781]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2025-00406]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
[Docket No. NHTSA-2024-0051]
Agency Information Collection Activities; Notice and Request for
Comment; Assessing the Fit and Comfort of Motorcycle Safety Gear
AGENCY: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA),
Department of Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice and request for public comment on a request for approval
of a new collection of information.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
invites public comments about our intention to request approval from
the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for a new information
collection. Before a Federal agency can collect certain information
from the public, it must receive approval from OMB. Under procedures
established by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, before seeking OMB
approval, Federal agencies must solicit public comment on proposed
collections of information, including extensions and reinstatement of
previously approved collections. This document describes a new
collection of information for which NHTSA intends to seek OMB approval
to gather information on the personal protective equipment (PPE)
motorcyclists wear including helmets and riding jackets, pants, boots,
and gloves, how well the PPE fits, and how comfortable riders find it
to be.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before March 14, 2025.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by Docket No. NHTSA-2024-
0051 using any of the following methods:
Electronic submissions: Go to https://www.regulations.gov.
Follow the online instructions for submitting comments.
Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
Mail or Hand Delivery: Docket Management Facility, U.S.
Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. To be sure someone is there to help you, please call (202)
366-9322 before coming.
Instructions: Each submission must include the agency name and the
docket number for this Notice. Note that all comments received will be
posted without change to https://
[[Page 2780]]
www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided.
Please see the Privacy Act heading below.
Privacy Act: Anyone is able to search the electronic form of all
comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual
submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf
of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review DOT's
complete Privacy Act Statement in the Federal Register published on
April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78) or you may visit https://www.transportation.gov/privacy.
Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or
comments received, go to https://www.regulations.gov or the street
address listed above. Follow the online instructions for accessing the
dockets via internet.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For additional information or access
to background documents, contact Dr. Kathryn Wochinger, Contracting
Officer's Representative, Office of Behavioral Safety Research (NPD-
310), (202) 366-4300, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995
(PRA) (44 U.S.C 3501 et seq.), before an agency submits a proposed
collection of information to OMB for approval, it must first publish a
document in the Federal Register providing a 60-day comment period and
otherwise consult with members of the public and affected agencies
concerning each proposed collection of information. The OMB has
promulgated regulations describing what must be included in such a
document. Under OMB's regulations (at 5 CFR 1320.8(d)), an agency must
ask for public comment on the following: (i) whether the proposed
collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of
the functions of the agency, including whether the information will
have practical utility; (ii) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of
the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the
validity of the methodology and assumptions used; (iii) how to enhance
the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected;
and (iv) how to minimize the burden of the collection of information on
those who are to respond, including the use of appropriate automated,
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or
other forms of information technology, for example, permitting
electronic submission of responses. In compliance with these
requirements, NHTSA asks for public comments on the following proposed
collection of information for which the agency is seeking approval from
OMB.
Title: Assessing the Fit and Comfort of Motorcycle Safety Gear.
OMB Control Number: New.
Form Numbers: NHTSA Form 2000, NHTSA Form 2001, NHTSA Form 2002,
NHTSA Form 2003, NHTSA Form 2004, and NHTSA Form 2005.
Type of Request: New information collection.
Type of Review Requested: Regular.
Requested Expiration Date of Approval: 3 years from date of
approval.
Summary of the Collection of Information: NHTSA is seeking approval
for a new, one-time information collection from a targeted sample of
625 motorcycle riders (from 1,250 screened for potential participation)
about their use and preference for motorcycle protective gear. The
study will involve recruiting motorcyclists attending motorcycle events
to gather information on the protective gear they are wearing
(including footwear, gloves, helmets, jackets, pants) about the
perceived and assessed fit and comfort. The study will allow NHTSA to
assess the relationship between perceived and objectively measured fit,
rider beliefs about the protective value of gear, and factors
influencing the selection and use of protective gear.
Participants will be recruited at locations where riders gather
such as rallies, training events, or other organized events. The study
plan is to recruit an equal number of riders of standard, cruiser,
sport, adventure/touring motorcycles, and seated motor scooters.
Depending on the venue, the study team will either invite riders to
participate at a study tent or conduct the survey near the rider's
motorcycle. Study staff will observe gear worn by riders, assess the
fit of the gear, and ask riders for their opinions about the fit and
comfort of the gear. Data collection will involve the use of a portable
tablet for the consent process, and for recording participant responses
and staff observations. Participants will self-administer some portions
of the survey, while data collectors will verbally ask the participants
about their gear during the gear assessments. Anthropometric
measurements (e.g., head circumference) will be taken using ribbon tape
or an anthropometer as appropriate depending on the gear type being
assessed.
The study plan is to assess one type of gear (e.g., jackets) per
respondent. Additionally, to obtain information on respondents'
perspectives of different types of gear, study staff will use a table
to present images of the gear type being assessed (one type per
respondent). The images will be of gear ranging in quality; they will
include product descriptions but no brand names. Participants will be
asked to rate the protection afforded by the gear, its quality, and the
likelihood of wearing or purchasing it.
All data collection activities will be voluntary and anonymous.
This collection only requires respondents to report their answers;
there are no record-keeping costs to the respondents. NHTSA will use
the information to produce a technical report that presents summary
statistics and tables; a de-identified data set will also be made
available to the public. No identifying information will be reported.
The study will advance our understanding of how the fit and comfort of
gear influences the choice to use or not use gear. This information
will inform the development of NHTSA outreach and education motorcycle
safety programs. The technical report will be distributed to
stakeholders in highway safety and the public.
Description of the Need for the Information and Proposed Use of the
Information: NHTSA was established to reduce deaths, injuries, and
economic losses resulting from motor vehicle crashes on the Nation's
highways. As part of this statutory mandate, NHTSA is authorized to
conduct research for the development of traffic safety programs. Title
23, United States Code, chapter 4, section 403 gives the Secretary of
Transportation (NHTSA by delegation) authorization to use funds
appropriated to conduct research and development activities. The agency
develops, promotes, and implements educational, engineering, and
enforcement programs with the goal of ending preventable tragedies and
reducing economic costs associated with vehicle use and highway travel.
Having current data is essential to develop appropriate approaches to
improve traffic safety. This is especially true for information on
vulnerable road users, such as motorcyclists, where data is much more
limited.
In 2022, there were 6,218 motorcyclists killed in traffic crashes,
comprising 15 percent of all traffic fatalities that year and
representing a fatality rate per vehicle miles traveled of 26.16,
nearly 22 times that of passenger car occupants (1.20).\1\ These
findings
[[Page 2781]]
demonstrate the inherent risk of motorcycle riding and highlight the
importance of wearing personal protective gear, especially a helmet,
but including footwear, gloves, jacket, and pants. Nonetheless, not all
motorcyclists use gear on every ride.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ National Center for Statistics and Analysis. (2024, July).
Motorcycles: 2022 data (Traffic Safety Facts. Report No. DOT HS 813
589). National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The proposed study addresses the need to understand the
relationship between the fit and comfort of personal protective gear
and the decision to use gear. The results will assist NHTSA develop its
programmatic activities in motorcycle safety by providing information
on the types of gear being used, the comfort and fit of gear in use,
and deterrents to using protective gear.
Frequency of Collection: This study is intended to be a one-time
data collection. Because data collection may occur at multiple events,
there is a remote chance an individual could participate more than
once. This is not expected, however, as potential participants will not
know data collection locations or times.
Affected Public: This study will recruit volunteers who are riders
of selected types of motorcycles (standard, cruiser, sport, adventure/
touring, scooter) at the data collection locations. Motorcyclists
passing by the data collection locations will be recruited to
voluntarily participate in an assessment of the fit of their current
protective gear (if worn). They will be asked to review images of
selected gear and provide their opinions on the gears' protective
capabilities, usability, and perceived quality.
Estimated Number of Respondents: The study expects to contact
approximately 1,250 motorcyclists at the data collection locations to
obtain responses from 625 motorcyclists (125 per type of motorcycle).
Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: The total amount of burden is
estimated to be 340.42 hours. This includes the estimated 312.5 hours
for the 625 participates who fully participate, with an average
completion time of 30 minutes, and the 18.75 hours for the estimated 75
people who will partially participate, spending 15 minutes on average,
and 9.17 hours for the estimated 550 people who received screening
items but decline to participate, spending on average of 1 minute.
Estimated Total Annual Burden Cost: The total annual burden cost is
estimated to be $15,520 with an annual burden cost of $5,034 (total/3)
(see Table 1). Participation in this study is voluntary and there are
no costs to respondents beyond the time spent hearing about the study
and participating in data collection if they decide to participate.
Participants will incur no burden related to annual reporting or record
keeping due to the collection of this new information.
Table 1--Summary of Total Burden Hours and Estimated Costs by Type of Participation
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total
Type of participation Number of Minutes per Estimated wage estimated Estimated cost
respondents respondent per hour * burden hours
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rider Fully Participates........ 625 30 $45.97 312.5 $14,365.00
Rider Does Not Fully Participate 75 15 45.97 18.75 861.90
Rider Screened but Does Not 550 1 45.59 9.17 418.06
Participate....................
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Grand Total................. 1,250 .............. .............. 340.42 15,519.75
(340) (15,520)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* September 2024 total private average hourly earnings (fully loaded at 30%) from the U.S. Bureau of Labor
Statistics at https://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.t19.htm.
Public Comments Invited: You are asked to comment on any aspects of
this information collection, including (i) whether the proposed
collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of
the functions of the Department, including whether the information will
have practical utility; (ii) the accuracy of the Department's estimate
of the burden of the proposed information collection; (iii) ways to
enhance the quality, utility and clarity of the information to be
collected; and (iv) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of
information on respondents, including the use of automated collection
techniques or other forms of information technology.
Authority: The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995; 44 U.S.C. chapter
35, as amended; 49 CFR 1.49; and DOT Order 1351.29A.
Nanda Narayanan Srinivasan,
Associate Administrator, Research and Program Development.
[FR Doc. 2025-00406 Filed 1-10-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-59-P