Motorcycles have always been an object of interest and excitement for people of all ages, whether they decide to use one as their primary way of transportation or admire them from a distance. However, many people consider riding a motorcycle risky and prefer to stick to their cars instead.
Fortunately, with the technological progress in all areas of life, improvements in motorcycle equipment do not fall behind. Technology innovations are making riding a motorcycle safer than before, allowing many people to indulge in their hobby without being anxious or afraid.
Whether you own a motorcycle or are planning on purchasing one, consider investing in your safety with some of these technological advancements in equipment.
Wearable Airbags
Most of us are familiar with how airbag systems in cars function. The bag inflates and then quickly deflates during a collision, providing cushioning to both the driver and the passengers, possibly protecting them from fatal injuries.
Similarly, motorcycle wearable airbags, such as Tech-Air, protect the upper body of the rider during a crash. The airbag system is incorporated into a vest that is worn with a compatible jacket. The system is totally independent of the motorcycle, meaning that the rider can ride any bike model.
Wearable airbags are lightweight and comfortable, providing the necessary protection from back, shoulder, internal organ, and chest injuries.
Anti-Lock Brakes for Motorcycles
ABS (Anti-lock Braking Systems) prevent the brakes from locking and skidding the tire while significantly reducing the stopping distance. This feature can prevent the rider from crashing with the vehicle or obstacle they are trying to avoid.
An ABS works by using speed sensors on both wheels to determine when the wheel is about to lock. The system adjusts the braking pressure to stop the locking.
Anti-lock brakes can save lives. When a motorcycle is equipped with an ABS system, the chances of a fatal crash are reduced by 31%, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Rider Assistance and Alert Systems
Rider assistance systems work with intelligent radar sensors that scan the surroundings and detect potential danger. They make the experience of riding safer and more fun using a combination of technologies, such as radar sensors, brake systems, engine management, and Human Machine Interface.
Rider assistance systems prevent collisions by warning the rider when there is a vehicle in their blind spot, for example. The alert feature can help speed up the reaction time of the rider since even the shortest lapse of concentration can be fatal.
Improved Helmet Designs
Wearable Tech is making its way into our everyday lives, including motorcycle equipment.
Nowadays, helmets are made out of the best and most durable materials, such as fiberglass, Kevlar, or even carbon. This results in a lightweight helmet that is extremely tough and resistant to abrasion.
Besides the improved design, helmets are more and more often equipped with features that remind us of a sci-fi movie. Some examples include a real-time display of what is happening behind the rider, built-in GPS navigation, speakers, and cameras.
Advanced Motorcycle Lights
LED light kits for motorcycles are an attractive and creative way to express your personal taste and color preference while keeping you safe on the road.
Motorcycles, being significantly smaller in size than other vehicles, are sometimes difficult to notice, especially at night. This disadvantage often results in fatal accidents that leave many people injured.
Fortunately, LED light equipment produces extremely bright light in the dark that is visible to other participants in traffic. The system has different light modes, such as flashing or fading, which can signal to other drivers the presence and intentions of the motorcyclist.
Stability Control Systems
According to the German In-Depth Accident Study, almost half of all fatal motorcycle accidents occur when the rider is making a turn. Riders often unintentionally take wider turns, which results in the two-wheeler running off the road.
Such an unfortunate outcome could be prevented with the Motorcycle Stability Control System.
Bosch MSC uses an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), which measures the position of the motorcycle at all times, as well as the acceleration. With this information, the system regulates the braking force and increases the grip of each of the tires, making the turn tighter and safer.
Electronic Tire Pressure Monitors
Being equipped with a motorcycle tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) improves your overall riding experience. Motorcycle TPMSs monitor the air pressure in your tires at all times.
Optimal tire pressure, on the other hand, helps maintain better balance and increases the braking power of the two-wheeler.
TPMSs can also estimate pressure based on tire temperature. This method of measuring is more accurate since tire pressure varies based on temperature.
Vehicle-to-Vehicle Communications
Automotive giants, such as Toyota and Tesla, are in the process of developing V2V (Vehicle-to-Vehicle) communication systems that allow participants in the traffic to transmit messages and data between one another.
V2V promises to reduce accidents as a result of human error by up to 70-80% by giving drivers a chance to signal about problems with their vehicles, road conditions, and route directions.
The system sensors can detect the speed, position, and stability of each vehicle, warning other vehicles about potential dangers.
What to Do if You End up in a Motorcycle Accident?
Unfortunately, even with careful riding and the most advanced technologies in place, the risk factor of riding a motorcycle still exists.
If you or someone you love has been involved in a motorcycle accident in Minnesota, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced attorney.
You can contact Sand Law online or by phone at 651-291-7263 for a free consultation.
Sand Law, LLC