Anyone who uses a motorcycle to commute to work or for recreational riding faces an increased risk of being involved in a serious motor vehicle accident and suffering more severe injuries when an accident occurs. While the inherent dangers associated with motorcycles, including handling limitations, stability issues, and lack of protection, are well-documented, many motorcycle enthusiasts do not realize the advantage associated with bikes equipped with antilock brakes. According to a publication released by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), antilock brake systems (ABS) substantially reduce the risk of being involved in a motorcycle accident.
If you regularly ride a motorcycle, you are aware that the process of breaking in an emergency is more difficult. Because there are separate controls for both the front and rear brakes, riders face a greater risk of inadvertently locking them up when faced with a road hazard in an emergency. A driver of a passenger vehicle also might lock up the brakes in an emergency, which can lead to a loss of control of the vehicle. However, motorcyclists that lock up the brakes can become unbalanced and lay the bike down. Because of the limited physical protection available to motorcycle riders, many people that are involved in Mississippi motorcycle accidents suffer permanent severe injuries or even wrongful death.
When one is faced with a roadway emergency on a motorcycle, the natural tendency is to panic and fully engage the front or rear brakes or both. A properly functioning ABS braking system prevents the brakes from locking up by reducing the braking pressure if the wheel is about to stop rotating. Once traction has been restored, the system increases the pressure to the brakes. The ABS brake system usually is designed only to engage when slamming on the brakes.
The study by IIHS suggests that motorcycles that are equipped with ABS braking systems are less likely to be involved in traffic collisions and less likely to be involved in accident-related fatalities. According to the report, accident related fatalities are 37 percent lower for motorcycles equipped with ABS brake systems. The study also found that accident claims are filed 22 percent less often for motorcycles with ABS as opposed to those not equipped with ABS systems.
ABS technology benefits motorcycle enthusiasts of all skill levels. ABS brakes can assist inexperienced motorcycle riders that lack experience with hard braking on a motorcycle when faced with a road hazard. The braking system also benefits experienced riders that travel on roadways that are slicker than they appear. A study conducted by the Austrian Road Safety Board found that ABS systems reduce stopping distance for both new and experienced motorcycle enthusiasts.
If you or your loved one is injured in a traffic collision, you are invited to contact the experienced motorcycle accident lawyers at Barrett Law to learn how we can help. Our Mississippi Motorcycle Crash Injury Lawyers have been representing accident victims throughout Mississippi for over 75 years. We offer personalized legal representation and zealous advocacy. We provide a free initial case evaluation so call us today at (800) 707-9577. No Recovery No Fee!