Motorcycles with Anti-Lock Brakes are Safer, Says Study

The Highway Loss Data Group (HLDG) released the findings of a study this week that says anti-lock breaking systems (ABS) can absolutely make motorcycles safer for the people who ride them. As reported on by the NY Daily News, the study says ABS bikes are particularly useful to beginner riders.

Not all motorcyclists are enthusiastic about ABS. Some say that riding without ABS helps you manage your bike better and prepare for malfunctions or accidents under any circumstances.

“If a beginner starts to rely on them and one day they malfunction, the beginner won’t have developed the skills to compensate,” says veteran rider Eduardo Rodriguez.

Still, the study shows a significant risk reduction.

New riders are 30% less likely to fine an accident report with their insurance company within the first 90 days of their policy if they have ABS. The improvement beyond 90 days is still 19%. These first 90 days are significant because most new riders lay their bike down at least once in the beginning. The likelihood of an accident generally reduces after a biker, no matter his experience level, becomes accustomed to riding a new bike.

Experienced riders also get some benefit from the ABS. Overall, regardless of riders age and experience level, ABS reduced accident claims throughout a two-year period.

In describing how ABS bikes work, the NY Daily News had this to say:

Locked wheels spell big trouble for bikers. When you’re driving a car and your wheels lock, you’ll skid and you can employ a variety of evasive measures. When you’re on a motorcycle and the wheels lock, down you go. ABS brakes prevent your wheels from locking by automatically reducing pressure when the system senses a wheel is about to stop rotating. It increases brake pressure after traction is restored, and this all happens within a fraction of a second.

Not all motorcyclists are convinced. Some maintain that not having ABS allows cyclists to prepare for all sorts of situations. But the HLDI says the research shows otherwise.

Motorcycle accidents are notoriously prone to causing serious injuries due to the vulnerability of the rider. There  is no safety belt, no airbags, and no car protecting you when you are on a motorcycle. Because of this, you are extremely vulnerable.

The attorneys with Omrani & Taub are experienced in assisting bikers who have been injured in wrecks. If you were involved in a motorcycle accident that wasn’t your fault, you could be entitled to compensation.