No one wants to get into a motor vehicle accident. And despite the fact that motorcyclists are often thought of as risk-takers, they are no different. Everyone wants to get from point A to point B safely, whether they get there in a car or on a bike.
Unfortunately, motorcyclists have the highest risk of dying in a crash than any other type of motorist. With this in mind, the National Transportation Safety Board has made recommendations that could make motorcycles — and the people who ride them — safer.
What are the recommendations?
The NTSB voted unanimously to recommend that all new motorcycle models be equipped with two standard features: electronic stability control and anti-lock brakes.
These features are already standard in passenger cars, and they have helped to prevent accidents and keep vehicles stable. However, they are not standard in motorcycles. The recommendations state that these features could help improve rider stability (especially while riding on a curve) and help bikes stop without skidding or locking up.
Whether the recommendations become regulations will now be up to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Keeping riders safer
These proposed features are certainly not the only things that can keep motorcyclists safer. Protective gear like helmets can also improve rider safety, as well as the careful vehicle operation of other motorists on the road.
Unfortunately, should an accident occur, the consequences for a rider can still be devastating. In these situations, it can be crucial to get immediate medical attention. Victims and their families may also want to consider discussing the legal options and remedies with an attorney, as the potential for damages in a motorcycle accident is often considerable.
Motorcyclists may be at a higher risk of catastrophic accidents, but there are ways to keep them safer. With safer bikes and a continued focus on sharing the road with riders responsibly, hopefully we can reduce the risk and severity of motorcycle crashes.