Insurance study shows ABS cuts rider deaths, bike damage.
US Nationwide - Antilock brakes could help motorcycle riders avoid fatal crashes, says a study by the insurance industry.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says the fatal crash rate involving motorcycles with optional ABS was 38 percent lower than the rate involving similar cycles without the systems.
ABS, like their counterparts on cars and trucks, helps riders stop their bikes abruptly without locking the wheels or fishtailing. The system allows riders to brake both wheels in an emergency without hitting the pavement.
ABS is typically found on touring bikes and has been available on a limited number of motorcycles since BMW introduced them on the K100 in 1988.
"Though adding anti-locks won't make motorcycling as safe as going by car, it's something manufacturers can do to reduce the risk of traveling on two wheels instead of four," said Adrian Lund, president of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Rob Dingman, president and CEO of the American Motorcyclist Association, said the study shows the potential of ABS, while it underscores the need for a federal study of the causes of motorcycle crashes.
"Our members would welcome an ABS option on more models, but there must be a strategy to reduce motorcycle accidents and fatalities that includes increased education and motorist awareness," Dingman said.
Safety officials have been concerned about a steady rise in motorcycle deaths. More than 5,100 cyclists died in 2007, compared with 2,294 in 1998.
Deaths have climbed as miles traveled have grown by more than 20 percent and motorcycle registrations have surpassed 6 million, from 3.8 million in 1998.
In the report, researchers studied eight motorcycles that offer ABS and found 6.6 fatal crashes per 10,000 registered motorcycles without ABS in 2005-2006 and 4.1 per 10,000 with ABS.
In a second study, the institute found insurance losses were 21 percent lower for motorcycles with them compared with similar ones without.
The findings were based on data for 72,000 insured years of 2003-2007 model year Honda, Suzuki, Triumph and Yamaha bikes.
The institute says ABS is standard or optional on about 40 motorcycles from the 2008 model year; top manufacturers include BMW, Harley-Davidson and Honda.
ABS typically adds about $1,000 or more to the cost of a motorcycle.
Source: AP
This article contributed by editor on Wednesday, November 05, 2008 (03:52:48)
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