New Study Reveals the Benefits of ABS Systems in Preventing Fatal Motorcycle Accidents
Anyone who uses a motorcycle to commute to work or for recreational riding faces an increased risk of being involved in a serious motor vehicle accident and suffering more severe injuries when an accident occurs.
While the inherent dangers associated with the handling limitations, stability issues and lack of protection associated with motorcycles are well-documented, many motorcycle enthusiasts do not realize the advantage associated with a motorcycle that has antilock brakes. According to a new publication released by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), antilock brake systems (ABS) substantially reduce the risk of being involved in a motorcycle accident.
If you regularly ride a motorcycle, you are aware that the process of braking in an emergency is more difficult on a motorcycle. Because there are separate controls for both the front and rear brake, it is easier to inadvertently lock up the brakes when faced with a road hazard when trying to stop in an emergency. A driver of a passenger vehicle may lock up the brakes in an emergency which can lead to loss of control of the vehicle. However, motorcyclists that lock up the brakes can disrupt the balance of the motorcycle and lay the bike down. Because of the limited physical protection for motorcycle riders, many people that are involved in Atlanta motorcycle accidents and lay their bike down suffer permanent severe injuries or may even die.
When one is faced with a roadway emergency on a motorcycle, there is a natural tendency to panic and fully engage the front or rear brakes or both. A bike that has a properly functioning ABS braking system prevents the brakes from locking up by reducing the braking pressure if the wheel is about to stop rotating. Once traction has been restored the system increases the pressure to the brakes. ABS brake systems are designed so that unless you are in a situation where you would lock up the brakes you should not notice the ABS system. The ABS brake system usually is designed only to engage when slamming on the brakes.
The publication that has been released by the IIHS suggests that motorcycle accidents that are equipped with ABS braking systems are both less likely to be involved in traffic collisions and are less likely to be involved in accident-related fatalities. The new IIHS publication indicates that the rate for accident-related fatalities is 37 percent lower for motorcycles equipped with ABS brake systems. The organization also reports that accident claims are filed 22 percent less often for motorcycles with ABS as opposed to those not equipped with ABS.
ABS technology benefits motorcycle enthusiasts of all skill levels. ABS systems can assist inexperienced motorcycle riders that lack experience with hard braking on a motorcycle when faced with a road hazard. The braking system also benefits experienced riders that travel on roadways that are slicker than they appear. A study conducted by the Austrian Road Safety Board found that ABS systems reduce stopping distance on motorcycles for both new and experienced motorcycle enthusiasts.
If you or a close family member is injured in a motorcycle accident in Georgia or someone you love dies, contact the experienced Georgia motorcycle accident lawyers at Montlick and Associates. We are dedicated to getting our clients the compensation that they deserve, and using our best efforts on behalf of clients as part of their continuing goal of being the best personal injury law firm in Georgia.
Our Georgia motorcycle accident lawyers are available to assist clients throughout all of Georgia and the Southeast, including but not limited to Albany, Athens, Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Gainesville, Macon, Marietta, Rome, Roswell, Savannah, Smyrna, Valdosta, Warner Robins and all smaller cities and rural areas in the state. No matter where you are located our attorneys are just a phone call away, and we will even come to you. Call us 24 hours a day/7 days a week for your Free Consultation at 1-800-LAW-NEED (1-800-529-6333). You can also visit us online at www.montlick.com and use our Free Case Evaluation Form or 24-hour Live Online Chat.