Government agencies, nonprofits, manufacturers and others connected to the world of motorcycles recognize the risks for riders and seek solutions to improve safety.
A report from the National Transportation Safety Board found that safety features common on four-wheeled vehicles could help reduce motorcycle crash risks.
Reasons behind motorcycle crashes
Negligent motorists are responsible for the majority of motorcycle crashes. Their usual excuse is that they “just didn’t see” the motorcycle. For example, a driver can easily cause an accident by making a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle. A distracted motorist as well as a driver who makes unsafe lane changes also mean trouble for a rider.
NTSB safety recommendations
The 2018 NTSB report emphasized better integration of motorcycles into the crash warning systems built for vehicles. The report went on to recommend that motorcycles be equipped with improved braking and stability control systems. Titled “Select Risk Factors Associated with Causes of Motorcycle Crashes,” the report put forth a list of safety recommendations that would improve the detection of motorcycles for motorists and provide more time for riders to react to potential danger.
Devastating results
Motorcycle riders are vulnerable to the possibility of a crash every time they take to the road. A reckless driver is just as much of a threat to a motorcyclist’s safety as the driver who pulls slowly out into traffic just as the rider approaches. The devastating results of a crash such as severe head, back or chest injuries can have life-altering effects on a rider and emphasize the need for advanced motorcycle safety features.
