Safety Features That Prevent Motorcycle Accidents

Due to the lack of protection surrounding them, motorcyclists are extremely vulnerable to injury. However, advances in technology have given rise to more motorcycle safety features that can help prevent accidents. At Moore Law Firm, our Mobile motorcycle accident lawyers believe that keeping up on the latest trends in safety and the availability of these features can help riders stay safer on the road.

Anti-Lock Brakes

Sometimes motorcyclists must slam on the brakes to avoid rear-ending another vehicle or hitting an obstruction in the road. Suddenly and forcefully hitting the brakes can cause the wheels to lock up, which may lead to a wipeout and serious crash.

Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) prevent the wheels from locking up by reducing brake pressure, and then increasing it again when the wheels regain traction. Although ABS for motorcycles has been around for decades, the technology keeps getting better and has helped reduce the incidence of motorcycle accident fatalities.

Automatic Tire Pressure Monitors

It’s essential to do a motorcycle safety inspection before you hit the road, but unfortunately, many riders don’t check tire pressure before getting on their bikes. If tire pressure is too low, it can affect a rider’s ability to properly handle the motorcycle. In addition, low tire pressure can cause damage to your bike, reduce fuel efficiency, and make your ride feel sluggish. Electronic automatic tire pressure monitors alert riders when pressure is too low so they can inflate them to the proper levels.

Dual-Clutch Transmission

In the past, riders had to learn how to use a clutch to shift gears when operating a motorcycle. This can be particularly challenging for novice riders. In the past decade or so, manufacturers like Honda have developed motorcycles that feature dual-clutch transmission (DCT), which enables the bike’s computer to do the shifting. This motorcycle safety feature makes it much easier for new motorcyclists to ride. With DCT, gears shift more smoothly, leading to better stability and increased fuel efficiency.

Motorcycle Detection Systems

This motorcycle safety feature is a major advance in accident and injury prevention. These systems enable a motorcycle to detect blind spots before you change lanes and identify when you may be at risk for a rear-end collision. This helps minimize rider error, assists with riding maneuvers, and can give a motorcyclist time to take steps to avoid a motor vehicle collision.

Illumination Systems

Lack of visibility often plays a role in motorcycle accidents. Drivers may fail to see motorcyclists until it is too late, leading to serious accidents. Modern illumination systems provide extra beams of light and may also include LED strobe lights that alert other motorists to the presence of a motorcycle in the road. This feature can significantly improve safety for both motorcyclists and drivers of other vehicles.

Motorcycle Stability Control

It’s critical to strike the right balance when leaning into a curve, accelerating, or riding on slick surfaces. Motorcycle stability control (MSC) helps riders navigate bends and slippery surfaces more easily and supports them when braking and accelerating. This can help you avoid dangerous crashes and makes for a safer, more enjoyable ride.

Improved Motorcycle Safety Gear

A good helmet can be lifesaving in the event of an accident. Failing to wear a helmet can cause serious conditions like traumatic brain injury or death. Today’s helmets are light, strong, and durable. The composite materials used to make them also help to better absorb impact and protect the head.

Airbags have long been a safety feature in cars and trucks. While airbags would be a great motorcycle safety feature, they simply wouldn’t provide effective protection. That’s why some motorcycle safety gear manufacturers have developed clothing that features airbag technology. Upon impact, a sensor triggers the airbags to inflate in a jacket, vest, or bodysuit and can help prevent road rash, broken bones, and a host of other injuries.

How Motorcycle Safety Features Can Affect a Personal Injury Claim

Paying attention to motorcycle safety tips and investing in new technology that promotes rider safety is something all motorcyclists can do to stay safe and aware of other drivers on the road. However, when a motorcyclist is hurt in a crash and seeks compensation for injuries from an at-fault party, an insurer may try to paint them as reckless or irresponsible. Having the latest motorcycle safety features can contradict this assertion and show that someone is a conscientious rider who cares about protecting themselves and others, which may bode well for a personal injury claim for damages.

Contact A Motorcycle Accident Attorney to Learn More

At Moore Law Firm, we understand that while motorcycle safety is a priority for many riders, accidents still happen. For more than 35 years, our motorcycle accident lawyers have helped personal injury victims in Alabama recover the compensation they need to protect their health and financial future. To schedule a free consultation with a motorcycle accident lawyer in Mobile, AL, contact us online, call 251-445-7602, or use the convenient chat feature on our website to get in touch.