Florida is an extremely motorcycle-friendly state. Certain cities in this state hold annual biker meet-ups that feature riders from around the nation. Considering the many bikers traveling on U.S. roads, their safety is a vital concern. Some hope to keep motorcyclists safe by requiring motorcycles to have antilock braking systems (ABS).
What are antilock braking systems?
Automobiles have and continue to evolve. Previously, companies noticed that a vehicle’s wheels would lock up after a driver applied significant braking pressure. Locked-up wheels make it impossible for drivers to use their steering wheel to move in another direction. This situation can drastically increase the likelihood of post-accident injuries and deaths.
Fortunately, modern automobiles now include ABS. But that’s not the case for all motorcycles. Research shows that 30 to 40% of new motorcycles manufactured in the United States don’t have ABS.
The data behind ABS and motorcycle safety
It’s difficult to argue against the effectiveness of motorcycles outfitted with ABS. According to the IIHS (International Institute for Highway Safety), motorcycle accidents that were fatal crashes were 22% lower for motorcyclists on bikes with ABS than riders on motorcycles without ABS. This data is far from the only evidence supporting making it mandatory for motorcycles to have antilock braking systems.
Various research from the mid-2010s links motorcycles with ABS to fewer accident-related injuries and fatalities. Research from the IIHS reported that motorcyclists operating ABS-equipped motorcycles have a 21 to 24% lower rate of collision-related insurance claims than bikers without ABS.
The IIHS and the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) recently partnered to mandate ABS on all new motorcycles. However, some fear motorcycle manufacturers that remain silent on ABS won’t implement them into their vehicles.