Could Antilock Brakes Curb Serious Motorcycle Accident Injuries And Fatalities?

In 2010, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety released a study that found that motorcycle antilock braking systems (ABS) were 37 percent less likely to be involved in a fatal accident. Now, both motorcycle manufacturers and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are considering the effectiveness of motorcycle antilock brakes and how these systems can help prevent motorcycle accidents and injuries.

Antilock brakes are a vehicle safety system that generally increases driver control and decreases stopping distance. ABS is currently found in the vast majority of cars and trucks on U.S. roads and is even required on vehicles in much of Europe. Although it is generally accepted that antilock brakes save lives when it comes to four-wheeled vehicles, up to now, very few motorcycles have been equipped with the safety feature.

However, as more information on the effectiveness of ABS to prevent motorcycle accidents comes to light, more bike manufacturers are considering adding the feature to some or all of their bikes. In fact, BMW recently announced that ABS will come standard on all of their bikes starting this year, while Honda and Harley-Davidson have said that they are eyeing consumer interest in the system and considering the feature on their higher-end models. At the same time, the NHTSA is planning to conduct its own study on antilock brakes and accident prevention in motorcycles using handlebar-mounted cameras.

Of course, not all motorcycle enthusiasts believe that having antilock brakes on bikes is a good idea. Many believe that antilock brakes may be harmful in some situations, such as riding on dirt or gravel, while others cite the added cost of the system. At the same time, some riders simply do not believe in adding safety features to motorcycles, citing that not enough definitive studies have been done on ABS or that riders should have the freedom to go without the braking system.

While the ABS motorcycle debate continues and more research is conducted, motorcycle safety experts remind riders that the best way to stay safe on a motorcycle is simply to drive the speed limit, obey the rules of the road, and be smart. While some lives could certainly be saved by added safety features, a significant number of Washington motorcycle accidents are still caused by drunk driving, speeding, reckless driving, or inexperienced riders.

What to do if you have been hurt in a Washington motorcycle accident

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact a Bellevue motorcycle accident lawyer at 425-688-1100 or toll free at 1-800-578-1166 to learn your legal rights. You should also order a copy of our free book, The Biggest Mistakes Washington Drivers Make in an Auto Accident.