Florida Injury Lawyer Blog
Motorcyclists who have bikes with antilock brakes have a better chance of avoiding a motorcycle accident in Fort Myers and elsewhere, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
The Institute recently released a brochure, “Motorcycle ABS: Why you want to ride with it,” to help get the word out about the safe braking system and why they’re better suited to keep you safe on our roadways. Information includes how they work, why they’re safer and how motorcyclists benefit. Tons of research has been conducted on this topic and the results are nearly unanimous: bikers with antilock braking systems are safer on our roadways.
The IIHS created this pamphlet for motorcycle retailers and advocates to pass out at motorcycle driving courses, motorcycle shops and other motorcycle venues. It’s being used to urge riders to choose the safer braking system to help save some lives on our roadways. Antilock brakes come as a standard feature on some motorcycles, but can be added on as an option on many others.
Our Fort Myers motorcycle accident lawyers understand that Florida is one of the top states for motorcycle accidents in the country. Our state provides perfect riding weather year round, attracting riders from across the country. With safe driving skills, the proper protection and antilock brakes, a motorcyclist can ride safer.
“Research shows that motorcycle antilocks dramatically cut the risk of a deadly crash,” says Institute president Adrian Lund.
Braking is much more difficult on a motorcycle than in a passenger car. Most motorcycles have two different brake controls. One is used for the front tire and a separate one for the back tire. Either brake can lockup during a quick stop, which can be extremely dangerous. When the tires lockup on a passenger car, the vehicle can skid. When the tires lockup on a motorcycle, the rider can lose his or her balance and could wind up in a fatal fall.
With antilock brakes, motorcyclists can hit the brake without the fear of the tires locking up. Here’s how it works: The brakes reduce pressure when it senses that the tires are about to lockup. The pressure is increased once traction is restored. The brakes do this because they can measure the speed of the wheel. The system will only step in when it senses that the wheels are about to stop spinning. A rider should not notice any changes during normal braking situations.
Motorcycles with antilock brakes have been proven to be nearly 40 percent safer on our roadways. According to the Highway Loss Data Institute, insurance claim filings have been reduced by more than 20 percent for motorcycles with the braking system.
In 2009, more than 4,000 people were killed in motorcycle accidents in the U.S. As more riders grab hold of the braking system, motorcycle advocates are hoping that this number will drop significantly.
You can send an email to publications@iihs.org to request a copy of “Motorcycle ABS: Why you want to ride with it.”
Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner, Attorneys for the Injured, has spent four decades fighting for the rights of motorcyclists throughout South Florida, including Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Port Charlotte, Sebring and elsewhere. If you or someone you love has been involved in a motorcycle accident in any of these areas, call for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights. 1-800-283-2900.
More Blog Entries:
Inexperienced Passengers on Motorcycles at Risk of Serious Injury When Involved in a Naples Motorcycle Accident
October 2, 2011
Associates and Bruce L. Scheiner Invite Residents to the 2011 Cape Coral Bike Night
September 13, 2011
