Are Maryland Motorcyclists Taking Advantage of the Newest Motorcycle Safety Equipment & Features
According to the NHTSA, motorcycle fatalities were 26 times more common in 2016 compared to fatalities in other vehicle accidents. In 2017, 5,172 motorcyclists died in crashes. Motorcyclists face risks and hazards when they ride. Even though weather and road conditions are contributing factors in some motorcycle accidents, other motorists cause a large number of motorcycle accidents each year.
The good news is that new technology is increasing motorcycle safety for riders. Below are seven examples of the new items and technology that are helping keep motorcyclists safe when they ride.
Seven of the Newest Methods to Increase Motorcycle Safety
- Improved Motorcycle Headlights
Riding at night can be dangerous when a rider cannot see the road ahead. Motorcycle headlights do not provide the same level of illumination as a car or truck, especially when traveling around curves. However, new adaptive headlights point in the direction the motorcycle is heading for improved cornering safety. - Motorcycle Clothing with Airbags
Airbags are standard in most passenger vehicles as a safety feature. Unfortunately, airbags on motorcycles are typically not as effective. However, riders can purchase motorcycle clothing equipped with airbags that inflate when a computerized system within the clothing detects an accident. The airbags provide extra protection against motorcycle accident injuries that traditional motorcycle clothing cannot provide. - Enhanced Motorcycle Helmets
Research has shown that wearing a motorcycle helmet can significantly reduce the risk of death and injuries in a motorcycle crash. However, some motorcycle helmets have technology that increases their effectiveness as a safety device. Some motorcycle helmet features that riders may want to research include:
- Helmets that have Bluetooth and custom apps so that the rider can hear navigation systems, take calls, and communicate with other riders without taking their hands off the handlebars.
- A helmet that allows the rider a 360-view of the road to eliminate blind spots.
- Smart helmets that have crash detection technology that alerts emergency contacts if you are involved in a crash.
- Electronic Tire Pressure Monitors for Motorcycles
Under-inflated motorcycle tires can contribute to a motorcycle crash. Electronic tire pressure monitors have been standard in cars and trucks for some time, but more motorcycles are now equipped with these monitors, which can be very useful for long road trips. Riders can now monitor tire pressure continuously throughout a ride and respond immediately if the pressure in either tire decreases. - V2V Technology
Vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) technology is an important factor in the development of autonomous vehicles. However, it can also be an effective safety measure that could significantly decrease the number of traffic accidents each year, including accidents involving motorcycles. V2V technology uses short-range communications to wirelessly exchange information about a vehicle’s speed and position with surrounding vehicles. - Anti-Lock Brake Systems for Motorcycles
Anti-lock brakes work by using wheel-speed sensors to detect when a bike’s wheels may lock during braking. When the sensors detect a situation in which the wheels may lock, the system prevents locking by reducing and reapplying brake pressure. According to the IIHS, the rate of fatal motorcycle crashes is 31 percent lower for motorcycles equipped with an anti-lock braking system (ABS). Stopping distances are shorter when a motorcycle is equipped with an ABS, including on both wet and dry surfaces. - Automatic Clutch and Shift Systems
When a new rider purchases a motorcycle, one of the challenges the rider faces is learning how to use a manual system if the rider has never had a manual vehicle. For some riders, learning how to use the clutch and shift gears can be difficult and increase the risk of a motorcycle accident until the rider becomes proficient with the manual transmission. However, more motorcycles are now available with automatic transmissions. For some riders, automatic transmissions may be a safer option compared to traditional manual transmissions.
What Happens After a Motorcycle Accident?
Even the safest motorcyclist with all the latest safety equipment can still be involved in a motorcycle accident. If you are injured in a motorcycle crash, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible to determine the severity of your injuries. You should also contact a Maryland motorcycle accident attorney to discuss the accident and learn about your legal rights when filing an accident claim. You might be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, physical pain, lost income, emotional suffering, and other damages.
Contact Pinder Plotkin for a Free Case Review from a Maryland Motorcycle Accident Attorney
The Pinder Plotkin Legal Team represents motorcycle accident victims throughout Maryland. Call 410-661-9440 to schedule your FREE consultation with one of our experienced Maryland personal injury lawyers.
