Motorcyclists are often labeled as risk-takers, so perhaps that’s why our society continues to accept this loss of life. It’s true that riding involves extra risk compared with driving passenger vehicles, but it’s possible to reduce the risk without diminishing the joys and thrills that define motorcycling.
There's no doubt in my mind that riding is more dangerous than just about any other form of transportation. But we do it because we love the experience.
If we’re serious about reducing motorcyclist deaths, we need, at a minimum, universal helmet laws in all states, antilock braking systems (ABS) on all new bikes, crash avoidance systems that detect motorcyclists, and a plan for lowering speeds of all vehicles on the road. Together, these ideas make up a Safe System approach to reducing motorcyclist deaths and injuries. The Safe System idea — which has been incorporated into the federal government’s highway safety strategy, as well as that of many cities and states — recognizes that humans make mistakes, that mistakes should not lead to death and that everyone has a role to play.
Addressing the mentioned isssues one at a time, there's no doubt helmets save lives and reduce injuries. Many of us have experience with helmets doing their intended use, I'm one of them. I've only ridden one bike (in my short life with ABS and didn't have any reason to do any emergency braking so, my opinion is very limited) but, in that the feds and the insurance institute did a study on the use of ABS in cages and determined that ABS did not significantly reduce the number of crashes or the seriousness of the crash that, ABS is no longer a requirement in new vehicles, I see little need for ABS. Recently, my Ram 3500 had a Hydraulic Control System failure. The HCU is coupled to the ABS, Traction Control and Cruise Control. Took it to the dealer for repair. Asked the dealer if the truck was safe to drive and was advised that my brakes would still work as intended, it just wouldn't have the ABS function. Not a Safety Issue. It may be different on motorcycles but, I have my doubts.
Crash avoidance systems that detect motorcyclists sounds like a very good idea and is most applicable to those who can't put their damn cell phones down. More attentive drivers would seem like a safer thing to me. The more driver assistance technology we get installed in our cages, the less attentive the drivers are. At least, that's my opinion.
Lowering speed limits across the board? Yeah, good luck with that. Not going to happen. Remember how upset we all were when we were forced to drive 55 mph. Yeah, me to.
Mandatory helmet use is perhaps the most obvious item on my wish list, yet fewer than half of states require helmet use by all riders. Properly designed helmets reduce the likelihood of death by about 40 percent and the risk of traumatic brain injury by two-thirds. Over the years, when states weakened their helmet use laws, motorcyclist death rates almost always increased; when states strengthened their laws, death rates almost always declined. Helmet requirements are unpopular among some people, but they save lives.
Lastly, I agree that Mandatory Helmet Laws in all states would help reduce the fatalities and seriousness of motorcycle injuries. Having said that, I'm still not in favor of such a federal law or all states requiring helmets. That doesn't mean I get on any of my Valkyries without a helmet, I don't but, I sincerely believe that we as adults should have the right to ride helmet free. I feel the same way about seat belts in cages. Adults should be able to make the decision on helmets and seat belts, children should be wearing helmets and belted in and it should be the adult's responsibility to ensure they are helmeted or belted in.
Rams
