What Motorcycle Safety Technologies Are in the Works?

Posted: June 5, 2019

Motorcycle drivers in New York may be safer on the roadways thanks to enhanced features and improved technologies on newer model bikes. From anti-lock brakes to automatic clutch and shift, bikes are getting away from a fully manual driving experience with features similar to cars that allow the driver to concentrate less on operating the machine and more on defensive driving and watching the roads.

Other new developments in safer motorcycle technology include adaptive headlights, replacing weak lights on many bikes. This technology can allows the headlight to pivot as you round dark corners, shining the light where you’re going, as opposed to straight ahead of the bike. Electric tire pressure monitors, another safety feature on many new cars, are being incorporated into new motorcycles, too, allowing the driver to know when to fill the tires to reduce sluggish pick-up.

Motorcycle enthusiasts don’t have to buy a new bike to take advantage of greater safety features. While helmets with protective eyepieces are required by New York state law, there are other safety clothing options for motorcycle drivers now, too. Airbag clothing, once just worn by professional racers, has now become more accessible for everyday drivers. These suits are created similar to airbags in cars, designed to inflate and protect the rider. Unlike airbags in autos, which inflate on impact, motorcycle airbag clothing is crafted with “smart airbags,” which deploy using a complex system within milliseconds of the clothing detecting that an accident is going to occur. These pieces are available as vests, pants, and bodysuits.

Another interesting technology in the works is vehicle-to-vehicle communication technology. This is still in development, but the advantages to this stand to reduce the number of motorcycle-to-car accidents once more vehicles employ the technology. Using a short-range radio network, vehicles on the road will be able to “talk” to each other, making the motorcycle aware of the car’s presence and vice versa. The V2V system can make cars aware of motorcycles on the road, reducing collisions that occur when the car driver doesn’t notice a biker.

Additional safety features on motorcycles may affect New York’s laws regarding insurance compensation for injuries and property damage after a collision between a bike and a car. As it stands now, motorcycle drivers are not covered in the same manner as cars or trucks under the No-Fault statute in New York. Under the current law, motorcycle drivers are not automatically entitled to compensation for medical bills and any lost wages from work after an accident.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident, it’s important that you retain legal counsel right away.

Our motorcycle accident attorneys at the Law Offices of William Mattar have extensive experience dealing with insurance companies and fighting for the rights of our clients. We understand the intricacies of New York motorcycle insurance law, and we’re ready to help you pursue your claim. Give us a call at (844) 444-4444 today to get started!

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