The Insurance Institute for Highway Safey has asked the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to require that all new motorcycles come equipped with anti-lock brakes. The reason? Recent research has shown that anti-lock brakes could reduce motorcycle accident fatalities by more than 33 percent.
"Traveling on two wheels instead of four is always riskier, but our new research shows that anti-lock brake technology can make motorcycle riding a much safer way to get around," said Adrian Lund, president of the institute.
Others aren't so convinced. In a statement released by the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), the group said that standards anti-lock brakes could increase the cost of new bikes by $1,000 or more. Instead of forcing manufacturers to make the feature standard on all bikes, the AMA suggested that they be available as an option for all new bikes. Additionally, the AMA is not convinced that anti-lock brakes make the bikes safer for everyone who rides.
"There are situations when [anti-lock brakes] can increase the risk of a crash, such as when riding an off-highway motorcycle on a trail, or when riding an on-highway or dual-sport motorcycle on a dirt or gravel road," the group said.
Once again, we're going to kick the debate to you readers. Are you for mandatory anti-lock brake systems, or do prefer to keep them as an option only? Why?
Comments
It don't matter if it Anti-Lock Brakes (ABS)becomes mandatory or not. What matters is can TCB or Traction Control Brakes take it's place.
TCB does about the same thing as ABS without the expense and is readily available for most any year make or model.
Not just for motorcycles the TCB also retrofits other power sport vehicles like ATVs, Scooters, and snowmobiles as well.
Simply by changing out a few bolts on the disc brake system preventing wheel lock-up is easier than ever.
Visit; www.tcbbrakesystems.com or feel free to call me personally at 903 569 2998
Please help me spread the word about TCB and perhaps we can get the best of both worlds by keeping riders safe without braking the bank.
Ride Safer with TCB,
Mark Lipski; Inventor & Owner
TCB Brake Systems, LLC
One of the things that I believe to be a major contribution to road accidents in general is the separation of the operator from the operation. Things like cruise control, ABS, BOSE stereo systems, Fully reclining all leather seats etc. make it much easier for people to not pay attention to driving.
I agree with the first two posts here. Rather than make it more possible to rely on technology to save us, let's try to encourage people learning to drive and pay attention to what it is that they are doing.
Cars roll over in a slide due to brakes not locking.
Once the tires lose traction during a slide the possibility of rolling over is greatly reduced.
IN over 40 yrs of driving I have avoided 2 near death accidents by spinning the car around and out of the way of danger. Anti lock brakes cause more trouble in that situation than they help.
Let folks choose, those that are only able to hit the brakes in a dangerous situation need anti locks.
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