Boston Car Accident Lawyer Blog
Officials with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) are pushing to get antilock braking systems (ABS) on all motorcycles. According to the latest research, these kinds of brakes are more effective in preventing motorcycle accidents — more than 30 percent more effective to be exact.
But the IIHS isn’t the only one to get in on the safety conversation. Officials with the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) have also calculated that motorcyclists with ABS are about 20 percent less likely to die in an accident than motorcyclists without the technology. Their data has also concluded that ABS had an even bigger effect in conjunction with combined braking systems, which integrate a motorcycle’s front and rear brake controls. Both of these technologies, when used together, can reduce your risks for an accident by about a third.
Our Quincy motorcycle accident lawyers understand that there was a significant decrease in the number of fatalities among motorcyclists with ABS in 2008, and then again in 2010. With these findings, officials with the IIHS and with the HLDI urged the government to make these kinds of brakes mandatory on all bikes. Officials are once again at it — officially petitioning the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
“We hope NHTSA will agree that it’s time to take action to ensure all riders get the benefit of this lifesaving technology,” says Adrian Lund, president of both HLDI and IIHS.
We understand that there were more than 4,600 motorcyclists killed in traffic accidents in 2011. Unfortunately, that’s about a 2 percent increase from the previous year. But we can’t necessarily blame the brakes for this increase. With the downturn of the economy, more rider switched over to these two-wheeled vehicles for a more cost-effective way to get around. With busy travel season, more motorists equated to more accidents. And that’s where we stand now.
In the state of Massachusetts, there were close to 40 motorcyclists killed in traffic accidents in 2011. That’s a number that could have been greatly reduced if more motorcyclists had ABS and if more wore helmets. About 12 percent of them were not helmeted at the time of impact.
In addition to the safety gear, you’ve got to have the knowledge and the skill to stay safe out there. You should know the techniques to drive safely and you should know the risks and the hazards that you need to be on the lookout for out there while riding on two wheels. We’re asking all motorcyclists to enroll in a biking safety course — not because you don’t know what you’re doing, but because it’s always a good idea to brush up on your motorcycling skills. Find a location near you here.
Jeffrey Glassman Injury Lawyers, LLC represent those who have been involved in a Boston motorcycle accident. Call (617) 777-7777 to set up a free consultation to discuss your rights.
More Blog Entries:
Motorcycle Accident on Mass Ave. Kills One, Boston Personal Injury Attorney Blog, June 24, 2012
Fatal Motorcycle Accidents in Boston and Elsewhere Up After Nationwide Auto Accident Decrease, Boston Personal Injury Attorney Blog, May 31, 2012