« DODGE RAM SALES STYMIED BY BELT, AIRBAG DEFECT RECALLS | Main | CRASH FEARS, BUDGET CUTS SPUR STATE HIGHWAY CONCERNS »
September 29, 2006
MOTORCYCLE AIRBAGS, ABS BECOMING REALITY?
An Associated Press article indicates heightened interest in airbags and antilock brakes for motorcycles as a means of reducing cycle-crash injuries. Motorcycle crash deaths spiked last year, according to NHTSA.
“As cyclist injuries and deaths increase, motorcycle makers are installing more safety features - making greater use of antilock brakes and adding air bags while stressing safe-rider education and use of helmets,” the article said. “Honda Motor Co. added air bags in June to its fully loaded Gold Wing, an 860-pound touring bike designed for distance driving in comfort… Yamaha Motor Corp., with U.S. headquarters in Cypress, Calif., is developing an air bag system and is using a scooter with air bags for research in Japan, according to the company's Web site.”
The AP article noted that motorcycles accounted for 2 percent of all registered vehicles in 2004 but made up 9.4 percent of all highway deaths, nearly double the 5 percent in 1997, according to government statistics.
Posted by MVHAP at September 29, 2006 11:27 AM