Insurance Industry Group Urges Feds to Require ABS on All Motorcycles
By Jim Greene
Published on May 30, 2010
An insurance industry group wants a federal agency to require anti-lock brakes on all new motorcycles, claiming the change could reduce motorcycle accident fatalities by more than a third. A national motorcycle riders' group is opposed to the idea, saying anti-lock brakes may increase the risk of a motorcycle crash in some situations.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) said two of its past studies support its suggestion that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NTHSA) require universal use of ABS for motorcycles. One study showed that motorcycles with ABS are 37 percent less likely to be involved in fatal crashes; another showed they account for 22 percent fewer claims for crash damage.
ABS Reduces Chance of Skids in Emergencies
The anti-lock braking system (ABS) was introduced on motorcycles in 1988 and is found mainly on larger models, especially those designed for highway touring. The system prevents wheels from locking up in an emergency braking situation and distributes braking force between the front and rear wheels, reducing the chance of skidding or fishtailing.
The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) endorses making ABS optional for more models of motorcycles, but does not support making them mandatory for all. The AMA says some riding situations, particularly off-road riding, usually done with smaller, lighter models, require the ability to control the front and rear brakes independently in order to avoid a crash.
System Could Add $1,000 to Price of Motorcycle
Another concern of the AMA is that mandatory ABS would reduce the affordability of motorcycles, especially smaller models. Adding ABS is likely to add about $1,000 to the cost, regardless of size.
No matter what kind of motorcycle you ride, if you've been involved in an accident, you need an experienced motorcycle attorney. If you have an insurance claim, your insurance company will want to settle it quickly and for the lowest possible cost. Your attorney will fight to ensure that you get everything you deserve to recover from your accident.
If you go to court as the result of a motorcycle accident, you may have to deal with the general public prejudice against motorcyclists. An experienced attorney will know how to fight that prejudice and get you a fair hearing.
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