When it comes to motorcycle safety in our country, there is some good news and bad news. Thankfully, we also have some promising news to report about exciting advances in motorcycle safety technology. New gear, equipment, electronics, and helmet features should help to prevent motorcycle accidents and injuries in the years ahead. Marks & Harrison are here to help you if you have been injured in a motorcycle accident.
We’ll start with the bad news: An estimated 4,990 motorcyclists lost their lives in 2017, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA). That figure is way too high. In fact, even one motorcyclist’s death is one too many. These crashes can be prevented.
But here’s the good news: Deadly motorcycle accidents are on a downward trend in our country. In fact, the GHSA projects a 5.6 percent drop in motorcyclist fatalities in 2017.
The promising news is that developments in technology may keep that trend heading in the right direction. Here, we look at nine recent innovations that you should know about:
1. AirBag Clothing
Airbags are a standard feature today in cars and trucks. They deploy at impact and stop a driver or passenger from slamming into the steering wheel or dashboard, or they provide cushioning from the sides of the vehicle. Shouldn’t motorcyclists get the same kind of protection? Today, companies make motorcycle vests, jackets, and bodysuits that have similar airbag technology. Like airbags in motor vehicles, a sensor detects a crash and triggers the airbag to deploy in the clothing item.
2. Anti-Lock Braking Systems
When a motorcyclist slams on the brakes – to avoid a collision or due to a slick surface – it can cause the motorcycle’s wheels to lock up. New anti-lock braking systems (ABS) on motorcycles help to prevent this from happening. When a wheel lockup is about to happen, the ABS will kick in and decrease brake pressure. It will then quickly increase pressure after the wheel regains traction. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that the fatal crash rate for motorcycles with optional ABS is 31 percent lower than for motorcycles without ABS.
3. Adaptive Headlights
Many older motorcycles have low-beam, fixed headlights. They illuminate the road directly ahead of the motorcycle. But what happens when the motorcyclist steers into a dark corner? Adaptive motorcycle headlights feature sensors that cause the light to pivot, greatly improving visibility. Many late-model motorcycles feature this type of headlight. Motorcyclists can also find aftermarket devices.
4. Electronic Tire Pressure Monitors
Motorcyclists must regularly check the air pressure in their front and rear tires. Unfortunately, many motorcyclists don’t use a tire gauge and just “eyeball” their tires before they ride. If tire pressure is too low, it can affect a motorcyclist’s ability to handle the bike. It can also cause damage to the motorcycle, decrease fuel economy and simply cause the motorcycle to feel “sluggish.” Electronic tire pressure monitors alert motorcyclists when the pressure falls too low.
5. Automatic Clutch and Shift
Many motorcyclists consider it to be sacrilege to ride a motorcycle that does not require them to use a clutch and shift gears. However, for novice motorcycle riders who are used to driving cars with an automatic transmission, having an automatic transmission on their motorcycle may make riding much easier and safer. Many motorcycle manufacturers today offer automatic models or models that allow a rider to toggle between full and semi-automatic modes.
6. Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communication
A high number of collisions between motor vehicle drivers and motorcyclists occurs because the driver doesn’t see the smaller motorcycle. New vehicle-to-vehicle technology is being developed that will essentially allow motorcycles to “talk” with other vehicles on the road and reduce the risk of these types of crashes. In other words, sensors can collect data such as speed and position and provide a warning to the driver or motorcyclist.
7. Helmet Technology
Ask any motorcycle safety expert, and they will tell you that the helmet is the most important piece of safety equipment that a motorcyclist can wear. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that helmets are 37 percent effective when it comes to preventing fatal injuries among motorcycle riders and 41 percent effective when it comes to passengers. Fortunately, helmet manufacturers are using technology to make helmets not only more effective but also more comfortable and convenient. For instance, many helmets today have added safety features such as Bluetooth, GPS graphics, and rear-view cameras.
8. Electronic Throttle Control
Traditionally, motorcycles have mechanical throttle valves. When a rider turns the throttle, it causes a cable to increase the intake airflow and, in turn, torque and power output. This can be dangerous if a rider accidentally turns the throttle and suddenly accelerates the bike’s speed. Electronic throttle control (ETC) systems replace the cable with an electronic connection that transmits a signal and allows for a smoother change in speed.
9. Satellite Messengers and Positioning Technology
New satellite tracking devices on motorcycles may not help to prevent accidents, but they can come in handy if a motorcyclist is left stranded after a wreck or has to deal with a stolen motorcycle. For instance, the device may allow a motorcyclist who was on a ride in the country – outside of cell phone range – to call for help through the use of satellite technology. The device can also track the motorcycle’s location.
No piece of technology, however, can replace good judgment. Motorcycle riders should always focus on the basics when they ride. The best way to prevent accidents is to make sure your motorcycle is ready for the road, ride responsibly and pay attention to others on the road.
Beginning riders will always benefit from taking a motorcycle riding safety course. In fact, many states today now require it. Even if you are an experienced rider, taking a course can help you to keep your skills sharp and stay up to date on the latest safety technology.
We have some of the most experienced motorcycle accident lawyers and some of the best personal injury lawyers in Richmond and throughout Virginia.
