Motor vehicle accidents involving motorcycles often result in fatal injuries. The state of Florida alone averages over 500 deaths from motorcycle accidents every year. The presence of antilock braking systems (ABS) may reduce the number of fatal motorcycle crashes.
Purpose of ABS
If you need to brake suddenly while on a motorcycle, you can destabilize it. This leads to one of the wheels locking and the motorcycle sliding or overturning. This often leads to fatal motorcycle accidents. The ABS system stops wheel locking on motorcycles. This increases the motorcycle’s stability.
Methods used by ABS
When you apply a hard brake, the ABS systems analyze whether it may turn into a skid. If a skid becomes likely, the ABS system begins to alternate between releasing and applying brakes. This allows the driver to come to a stop without losing complete control.
ABS in cars vs. motorcycles
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began requiring all new passenger vehicles in the U.S. to include ABS in 2013. Models made before 2013 may still include ABS. The government required most commercial trucks and busses to include ABS beginning in 1999.
For cars that do not feature ABS, owners may experience a simple slide that may result in a crash. Motorcycle owners without ABS may slide and fall off their vehicles.
ABS in motorcycle statistics
Studies of motorcycle crashes by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found these encouraging statistics about motorcycles with ABS installed:
- The fatal crash rate decreases by 22% on motorcycles with ABS.
- Accident insurance claims reduce by 21% on motorcycles with ABS.
- ABS improves stopping distance on wet and dry surfaces.
- ABS helps new and experienced drivers stop more quickly.
Purchasing a motorcycle with ABS included may cost a little more until the systems become mandated. But taking this extra step may save your life.