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 severe injuries when an accident occurs. While the inherent dangers associated with motorcycles, including handling limitations, stability issues, and lack of protection, are well-documented, many motorcycle enthusiasts do not realize the advantages associated with bikes equipped with antilock brakes. According to a 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. In this blog, our Atlanta personal injury attorneys examine the results of this report.
How Motorcycle Antilock Brake Systems Function
If you regularly ride a motorcycle, you are well aware that the process of braking in an emergency is more difficult than when driving a car. Because there are separate controls for both the front and rear brakes, riders face a greater risk of inadvertently locking them up when faced with a road hazard that necessitates an emergency response. The driver of a passenger vehicle also might lock up the brakes in an emergency, which can lead to the loss of control of the vehicle. However, motorcyclists that lock up the brakes can become unbalanced and lay the bike down. Because of the limited physical protection available to motorcycle riders, many people that are involved in motorcycle accidents suffer severe, permanent injuries or even wrongful death.
When riders face a roadway emergency on a motorcycle, the natural tendency is to panic and fully engage the front brakes, rear brakes, or both. 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. The ABS brake system usually is designed to engage when a rider slams on the brakes.
Study Indicates ABS Systems Provide Motorcycle Riders With Significant Safety Advantages
The study by IIHS suggests that motorcycles that are equipped with ABS braking systems are less likely to be involved in traffic collisions and to also suffer fatal injuries. According to the report, accident-related fatalities are 31 percent lower for motorcycles equipped with ABS brake systems. The study also found that accident claims are filed 22 percent less often for motorcycles with ABS as opposed to those not equipped with ABS systems.
ABS technology benefits motorcycle enthusiasts of all skill levels. ABS brakes can assist motorcycle riders who lack experience with hard braking on a motorcycle when faced with a road hazard. The braking system also benefits experienced riders who 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 for both new and experienced motorcycle enthusiasts.
Put Our Law Firm’s Years of Legal Experience to Work For Your Case! If you or your loved one has been injured in a crash while riding your bike, our experienced motorcycle accident and injury attorneys strive to obtain the best outcome for our clients.
