Advances in Motorcycle Safety Features
Automobile technology is evolving at a rapid pace. Soon fully autonomous vehicles will be on the roads. We have smartphones, smart TVs, and smart cars, and now there are innovations in motorcycle safety technology that will make your favorite form of transportation safer than ever. Several new motorcycle safety features function independently to help keep the rider safe. Let’s look at some examples of advancing motorcycle technology.
Airbag Riding Gear
Airbags are standard equipment in passenger vehicles, but they are not always a feature with motorcycles. Now you can purchase riding gear such as jackets, vests, and full-body suits that are equipped with airbags. The airbag clothing has a computerized system that can detect when an impact is about to occur, and the bags will deploy within milliseconds. This type of technology has been used in the past in racing circles but is now becoming more available to the average consumer.
Anti-Lock Brakes
Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) use sensors to determine when your wheels may lock during braking, and they work to prevent the locking by quickly reducing then reapplying pressure multiple times per second. ABS systems save lives. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the rate of fatal crashes for bikes equipped with ABS is more than 30% lower than for the same models that do not have the braking systems. Additionally, more motorcycles are now equipped with cornering ABS. These systems use technology to assist in keeping the motorcycle stable during tight turning maneuvers and in emergency situations.
Adaptive Headlamps
Historically, headlights have been a weak spot for motorcycles due to their relatively small light output. Low beam motorcycle headlamps do not illuminate the road ahead very well when the rider is navigating dark corners. Adaptive headlights, which come equipped on certain motorcycles, and are also available as an aftermarket addition, employ electronic sensors to pivot when the bike is taking a corner. This results in the beam shining in the direction the bike is traveling rather than straight ahead.
Automatic Tire Pressure Monitors
Low pressure in your bike’s tires can lead to unresponsive handling, which increases the risk of an accident. More bikes are being sold that are equipped with electronic tire pressure indicators that inform you when it is time to add air to your tires. Even with this bit of technology, it is still a good idea to check the air pressure before embarking on a long ride.
Automatic Transmission
Most motorcycles require that the rider know how to operate a clutch and be able to switch gears. Since nearly all American passenger vehicles are automatic shifters, this could be a deterrent to new riders. Several motorcycle manufacturers are introducing bikes with automatic clutch and shift operation.
Vehicle-To-Vehicle (V2V) Communication
V2V technology is now in development and is the next frontier in highway safety. A short-range radio network will let equipped vehicles communicate with each other. The technology will make the bike’s presence known to the other vehicles on the road (those that also are equipped with V2V). Because the vehicles will “talk” to one another, both the driver and the rider will be aware of each other. Awareness of motorcycles is a crucial piece in reducing bike accidents. It is uncertain when widespread V2V communication will be implemented.
Watch the YouTube video uploaded by Motorcycle.com about advances in motorcycle safety technology.
Rosemont Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Hello – I’m Ed Smith, a motorcycle accident attorney in Rosemont, California. Bike accidents often are caused by negligent vehicle drivers and can result in severe injuries. If you or someone you love suffered injuries in a motorcycle accident caused by another driver, the injury lawyers at AutoAccident.com may be able to help you recover monetary compensation for your damages. For free and friendly advice, call us at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400.
Photo Attribution: https://unsplash.com/photos/nR6TeIF80Zc
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