Motorcyclists can be around 27 times more likely to be involved in fatal crashes than passenger vehicle occupants per miles travelled, as reported by Bankrate. Around 89% of these accidents occur during good weather conditions, with main problems including poor visibility, lack of protection due to the open design of motorcycles, and a lack of traditional protection that cars and other vehicles may afford. The good news for riders is that there are a host of new developments continually being made in the realm of motorcycle safety. Read on to discover just a few new trends making the news.
Ride Vision
Even riders who make the best effort to keep a safe distance from vehicles in front of them can be distracted and briefly take their eyes off the road – and the result could be fatal. Ride Vision, a technology invented by an Israeli startup, is currently developing a life-saving technology, slated to be incorporated into some 400 million motorbikes across the globe. This technology helps riders avoid crashes by flashing a red light in the wing mirror so as to bring the driver’s attention back to the road in the event that a vehicle ahead of it brakes suddenly. This system can be fitted in less than an hour and is aimed at doing its share to achieve the worldwide objective of zero road fatalities.
Bike to Vehicle (B2V) Communication
This new technology is an adaptation of vehicle to vehicle (V2V) technology and its aim is to permit bikes to communicate with surrounding vehicles, so as to share information on aspects such as position, braking, speed, and other factors that can help prevent accidents. This is particularly important considering the fact that the typical motorcycle accident is caused by vehicles (including trucks) that fail to notice an approaching motorcycle. Drivers failing to yield the right of way to motorbikes are another challenge that can be overcome by providing drivers and riders with more information about nearby vehicles.
Motorcycle Airbags
Because riders do not ride within a frame or use a seatbelt, airbags were initially not considered for this vehicle, despite their life-saving potential. Recently, however, Japanese motoring giant Honda launched a bike-mounted airbag system and its reasoning makes sense. Research by the firm has shown that around 68% of all injury-causing accidents are frontal collisions. An airbag can save riders from injury or death during collisions with cars, the road, or other obstacles.
Safer Helmets
Motorcycle helmets are traditionally worn to save the brain against the effects of a traumatic injury. However, thanks to Bluetooth, GPS systems, and ubiquitous connectivity, helmets are available with features such as rear cameras, which help alert riders of blind spots. Additional smart technology includes integrated communication technology (so you can connect with other riders or listen to music at a safe volume), crash detection technology, and ultra-light carbon fibre designs.
Few vehicles afford the liberating sensation that motorcycles do. The one downside of riding a motorbike is its open design and the ease with which other vehicles fail to give way or otherwise react as they should in the presence of riders. Technology is set to help you breathe easier as you ride, with features such as Ride Vision, B2V technology, airbags, and safer helmets leading the way.