IIHS requests government mandate on motorcycle antilock brakes

Following a recent study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) that revealed that motorcycles equipped with antilock brakes are 37 percent less likely to be involved in a fatal crash than models without ABS, the Institute is calling on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to mandate the lifesaving technology.

An additional study by the affiliated Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI) also found that ABS-equipped motorcycles generated fewer damage claims (22 percent) and lower injury claims (30 percent). Both studies looked at crashes occurring between 2003 and 2008.

Motorcycle fatalities surpassed over 5,000 in 2008, the year when gas prices shot up, and while preliminary estimates see a drop for 2009, there has been a steady increase in motorcycle deaths in recent years compared to a decrease in fatalities for passenger vehicle occupants. (Also read: "How to reduce the risk of getting hurt on a motorcycle.")

Most motorcycles have separate brake controls, one for the front wheel, and one for the rear. So if the brakes are hit too hard or with the wrong front/rear distribution, a wheel can lock and cause the bike to lose control and eventually fall. Alternatively, if the brakes are squeezed too gently, the bike may not stop in time to avoid a crash. ABS can work in two ways--reduce brake pressure if a lockup is impending or increase pressure again when the bike is under control. It would allow the rider to intuitively apply the brakes with full force, without holding back due to concerns of locking up a wheel and alleviate a split-second judgment call.

In 2009, NHTSA said it would look at the issue but needed more data, Now with the IIHS and HLDI studies, the Institute believes it has provided the unequivocal data to make ABS on all two-wheeled motorized vehicles a mandate.

We've commented before that we would like to see ABS offered on more motorcycles and for it to become more affordable. In particular, there is the need for this important safety feature on smaller, entry-level motorcycles that are likely to be chosen by newer, less experienced riders. Having a NHTSA mandate on this issue would contribute greatly to the well-being of all riders.

See a full list of current motorcycles with ABS. Plus, check out our motorcycle and scooter buying advice and ratings and read other posts about motorcycles.

—Liza Barth