6 Ways Technology Is Making Riding Safer

Technology is making the world a safer place — and the motorcycle industry is no exception. New devices and apps are making it easier to ride a motorcycle. After all, these vehicles account for 14 percent of all crash-related fatalities, even though they are only three percent of all vehicles on the road.

You can use these tools to maintain your motorcycle and protect yourself from injury if you get into an accident. Use helmet communication to stay in touch with your loved ones or call for help when you need it most. Riding a motorcycle shouldn’t put your life at risk. If you’re worried about your safety on the road, learn how this technology can keep you safe on and off the road.

Wearable Airbags

Motorcycles aren’t known for having airbags, but that doesn’t mean you have to leave yourself exposed to the road. Wearable airbags come with an inflatable inner lining that protects your head, chest, neck and back in the event of a crash. You can wear them as a vest or jacket under or over your regular riding gear, depending on the time of year. 

Studies show wearable airbags reduce forward momentum in a crash by as much as 60 percent, and head trauma is reduced by as much as 80 percent. These vests or jackets usually cost less than $50. It’s a simple accessory that just might save your life.

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Bluetooth Headsets

The future of motorcycle communication is here. No more pulling over to the side of the road when you need to use your phone or look up directions on the GPS. Use Bluetooth motorcycle speakers that fit inside your existing helmet to stay connected on the road. You can call your loved ones, AAA or the police if you need assistance without taking your hands off the handlebars. The device is voice-activated for hands-free communication. 

The speakers will be loud enough so that you can hear them over the sound of your motorcycle without distracting you from the road. Find a motorcycle Bluetooth headset that’s weather-proof so you can leave it inside your helmet without breaking a sweat. 

Anti-Lock Brakes

Nothing could be scarier than having your brakes lock when you’re driving in wet or icy conditions. Most modern vehicles come with anti-lock brakes and the same feature is finally making its way into the motorcycle industry. 

They come with speed sensors that monitor both wheels. The system will automatically decrease brake pressure when the wheels are about to lock. This helps you maintain control of the brakes so you can come to a stop before you collide with your surroundings. ABS systems are known to decrease the risk of fatality by 31 percent.

Rider Assistance Programs

Just like ABS, most modern vehicles have built-in computers that help drivers navigate the road. And now the same is true of many motorcycles. Rider assistance programs, often known as Human Machine Interfaces, often combine several technologies to help you survey your surroundings, including radar sensors for identifying speed traps and engine and brake management systems for monitoring vehicle performance. The system will also sense your proximity to other vehicles and objects on the road to help you avoid a collision. This will come in handy when reversing, changing lanes or turning.

You might like to think your bike doesn’t take up that much room on the road, but these systems will help you take stock of your surroundings so you can travel with more peace of mind. 

Motorcycle Light Kits

Illumination is key in low-light settings. One of the downsides of riding a motorcycle is that you only have one headlight instead of two. This makes it hard for other drivers to see you on the road.  

Use an LED light kit to make your presence known to other drivers and pedestrians. With the right tools, you should be able to swap out your factory headlight for a brighter LED bulb. The kit should come with various settings, such as flashing or fading, to help you stand out on the road. The lights provide maximum illumination on dark streets and off-road settings. 

There are no street lamps in the wilderness. Many off-road drivers will install an aftermarket light bar to help them see after the sun goes down, so why not do the same for your motorcycle?

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Tire Pressure Monitors

Flat tires aren’t just an inconvenience. They can easily turn deadly, especially when traveling at high speeds. You also don’t want to get stranded in the middle of nowhere if you like to travel far from home. 

Use a tire pressure monitor to keep an extra set of eyes on your tires. The system will alert you if the pressure gets too low so you can pump them up before you get a flat. Over-inflating your tires can be just as dangerous as having low tire pressure. You can use the monitor to find the correct pressure level when you hit the air pump.

These tools are designed to make your life easier on the road. Your loved ones will be able to relax knowing you are taking every precaution. 

If you have been wary of riding a motorcycle, this technology should help soothe your fears. Riding doesn’t have to be dangerous when you have the right equipment. Add these items to your list before you hit the road. 

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