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 Choosing Safer Motorcycles
In general, choosing a safe motorcycle means purchasing a motorcycle that is in good mechanical condition and is equipped with adequate safety features. Most vehicle safety features on motorcycles are designed to reduce injury in the event of a crash. These include leg protection devices and airbags. There are fewer vehicle safety features for motorcycles that work to prevent crashes. However these include improved braking, choosing light coloured motorcycles which can improve conspicuity and prevent crashes arising from driver failures to see motorcycles.
For beginning and/ or younger riders, a safe motorcycle may also be one that has a relatively small engine capacity and power to weight ratio.
Vehicle safety
Improvements in vehicle safety have contributed significantly to reducing crashes especially for car drivers and will continue to do so. Vehicles that are designed well are easier to control, reliable and predictable in emergency situations are likely to have few crashes in general, including with motorcycles. To improve the uptake of vehicles with increased safety features requires buyers to be able to make informed decisions, which in turn is likely to encourage manufacturers to improve and promote product safety. Safety should be promoted as a key consideration when purchasing a motorcycle and associated equipment.
Information sourced from A review of potential countermeasures for motorcycle and scooter safety across APEC (Full report and References [PDF, 304KB]). |
