Motorcyclists are considered vulnerable road users because they lack many of the safety features provided to vehicle occupants such as windows, airbags, and seatbelts. As a result, many motorcyclists are severely injured in crashes and, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association, 406 motorcyclists died during crashes in 2017. To help protect those who enjoy the freedom of riding a motorcycle, several companies have been coming out with new products to improve motorcycle safety.
Airbag Jackets and Vests – Motorcycle.com reported on thirteen different airbag jackets and vests on the market for motorcyclists that range between $500 and $1150. While each jacket offers its own specific features, they all boast some type of air inflation system that detects a crash and deploys to protect the user’s spine, back, chest, ribs, kidneys, and sometimes even neck.
Boots – As Web Bike World mentions, there are 26 bones, 33 joints, and more than 100 muscles, ligaments, and tendons inside the foot and ankle area of the body. Not only is the foot a key contact point with the motorcycle, it is also likely to get caught or hit the pavement in a crash. Quality motorcyclist boots should be comfortable so that a rider wants to wear them. More than that though, boots need to be well padded with armor to protect a rider from abrasion injuries. To help riders maintain control over the motorcycle, the sole of the boot should provide good traction as well.
Gloves – It is arguable whether all of the new glove technology is actually making it safer for motorcyclists, but some companies are definitely trying. For instance, SignalWear is launching a glove that features LED lights to help a motorcyclist signal to other road users that they intend to turn or change lanes.
Motorcycles are now coming equipped with anti-lock brake systems and some ABS can even help keep the motorcycle stable through corners. Adaptive headlights pivot when a motorcycle takes a corner so that the rider is better able to where they are headed. Other lighting technology includes having LED lights that increase the rider visibility for other traffic. Newer motorcycles are able to notify riders of low-tire pressure, which can help with better bike handling and de The biggest leap in technology will be the under-development vehicle-to-vehicle communication systems that will help warn drivers of the motorcycle’s presence in the future.
While all of this new technology can reduce the severity of your injuries if you are involved in a crash while riding a motorcycle, there is no amount of protection that will prevent a crash. If you are injured due to someone else’s negligence while operating a vehicle, you need to speak to a knowledgeable San Jose motorcycle accident attorney from Solution Now Law Firm. We have experience handling cases in San Jose, Los Gatos, and Saratoga. Contact our offices at 408-716-2331 to schedule a free consultation today.
Resources:
ghsa.org/sites/default/files/2018-05/ghsa_motorcyclists18.pdf
motorcycle.com/products/best-motorcycle-airbag-jackets
webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-boots-buying-guide/
https://solutionnowlawfirm.com/blog/how-a-motorcycle-helmet-impacts-your-personal-injury-case/
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