IIHS Study Shows Fewer Accidents Involving Motorcycles with Antilock Brakes
A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety indicates that hundreds of motorcycle accident fatalities every year can be prevented if motorcycles come with antilock brakes. According to the study, the risk of being involved in a motorcycle accident decreases by 37% if the motorcycle is equipped with these antilock braking systems, compared to motorcycles that are not.
Those findings are corroborated by another analysis conducted by the Highway Loss Data Institute. This analysis showed that motorcycles that come equipped with antilock brakes had up to 22% fewer claims for damages, compared to motorcycles that did not come with these systems. Antilock brakes can reduce the risk of motorcycle crashes by releasing the brake pressure that can contribute to accidents when the motorcyclist applies the brakes. In motorcycles without antilock systems, braking can cause the wheels to lock, possibly contributing to a flip over with serious consequences.
The rising rate of motorcycle accident fatalities has been of concern to Indiana accident lawyers for a few years now. In 2008, the number of people killed in motorcycle accidents across the country crossed 5,000. That was the highest figure since the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration began recording such fatalities in 1975. This spike in motorcycle crash realities has continued even in spite of major strides made in controlling other highway accident fatality rates.
Helmet laws have helped prevent such accidents across several states. In Indiana however, motorcycle helmet laws only apply to motorcyclists below the age of 70. Approved helmets dramatically reduce the risk of the motorcyclist suffering a traumatic brain injury in an accident.
The Indiana auto accident attorneys at Theodoros and Rooth represent injured victims of car and motorcycle accidents, and help them recover rightful compensation for their losses.
