While some motorcycle riders take to New Jersey’s roads year-round, bikers are a much more common sight when the weather warms up. Now, after a cold winter, riders are gearing back up, and more than ever they are utilizing new technology that acts like an automobile airbag in the event of an accident.
Motorcycle airbag systems are designed to protect riders by cushioning the impact of a crash and reducing the risk of severe injuries. These systems come in two primary forms: airbag technology worn by the rider and airbag systems integrated into the motorcycle itself. Both types of protection have been available for more than a decade, so it’s possible to assess how much they benefit riders who are involved in an accident.
On-bike airbag systems act similarly to mechanisms in cars and trucks. When a collision occurs, the airbag inserted under the handlebars is engineered to deploy. One challenge faced by manufacturers is that the reaction time for motorcycle airbags must be faster than those used in other vehicles, because there is no metal or glass to delay the impact to the biker’s body. Furthermore, these bags are only useful in motorcycle accidents stemming from frontal collisions.
Wearable airbag systems are usually vests and jackets equipped with sensors that detect sudden changes in motion, such as a collision or a fall. However, newer products include some protection for hips and thighs. When triggered, the airbag is designed to inflate within milliseconds to reduce the potential harm to the biker. Over time, makers of these products have made numerous technological advances in an effort to improve their products’ effectiveness, as well as the comfort of those who wear them.
Evidence from controlled studies as well as real-world use has demonstrated that in some cases, airbags can significantly lower the risk of thoracic injuries. Of course, no safety measure offers 100 percent protection. Moreover, these devices typically have sophisticated crash-detection systems that might not work without proper use and maintenance.
While motorcycle airbag technology is a valuable tool for enhancing rider safety, it does not absolve other road users of their responsibility to drive safely. If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident due to another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost income and other damages.
Seigel Law in Ridgewood advocates for New Jersey motorcycle riders who have been injured in collisions. For a free consultation, please call 201-444-4000 or contact us online.