Written By: Chris Dolan and Phil Johnson
Motorcycle safety advancements continue to evolve with technological advancements that can save lives. The Dolan Law Firm is proud to serve our community as the leading San Francisco Motorcycle Accident Lawyers. While we stand prepared to assist injured riders, this article provides information on safety developments that can protect motorcyclists and acknowledges the differences between motorcycle and car accidents.
California Vehicle Code Section 27803 requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear a helmet that complies with the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) safety standards. You can verify compliance by checking the back of any helmet – complaint helmets sold in the United States are required to carry a label that states the manufacturer and/or brand and model designation, as well as the following: DOT FMVSS No. 218 CERTIFIED.
A great addition to any helmet is a camera that records and saves video of your surroundings. Rarely is there better evidence in a motorcycle crash case than video that shows just what happened. Reasonably priced cameras, with mounts to the helmet, can cost about $200.
Another new safety technology available in newer motorcycles is the Emergency Stop Signal (ESS). These systems sense sudden stops or rapid deceleration and activate the bike’s hazard lights. The extra lighting helps capture the attention of motorists behind the motorcycle in an effort to prevent rear-end crashes.
As mentioned in other articles, visibility is one of the most important safety factors for motorcyclists. Adaptive headlights increase visibility of the roadway for the rider and the ability for other motorists to see motorcycles by adjusting the angle of the headlights during turns. Adaptive headlights recognize and respond to the leaning and rotate with the turn angle of the motorcycle.
Finally, some riders wear smart gloves equipped with a QR code in the inner wrist area that can be scanned to share the rider’s medical information with first responders. Other riders carry a wallet-sized QR code in a visible place. While we hope you will never to use it, being prepared can make a critical difference in an emergency.
For more information, please check our San Francisco Motorcycle Accident Lawyer page and our San Francisco Car Accident Lawyer page.
