There are many big perks to riding a motorcycle. They’re significantly more fuel efficient than almost all passenger vehicles. They’re fun to ride, whether you’re out for a quick trip to the store or a pleasure cruise around the state. And because they’re small, they’re easy to park no matter where you go.

The biggest downside to riding a motorcycle, however, is the fact that they’re much more dangerous for their users than passenger vehicles. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 5,500 motorcyclists died in crashes in the U.S. in 2020, and more than 180,000 were treated for serious injuries.

Thankfully, new technology is making motorcycles safer to ride. If you’re a rider and thinking about upgrading your bike, or if you’re considering getting into the hobby for the first time, here are five new technologies to look for in a new or upcoming motorcycle.

1. Lean-Sensitive Systems

Some motorcycle crashes are single-rider crashes, which means riders are thrown from or fall off their bikes without making physical contact with other vehicles. To reduce this risk, some new motorcycle models are equipped with a six-axis IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) that enables lean-sensitive traction control, slide control, front-wheel lift control, and brake control. These systems provide stability and control, especially during aggressive riding, sudden evasive maneuvers, or in slippery conditions.

2. Adaptive Headlights

Some modern bikes feature adaptive headlights that adjust the beam direction based on the bike’s lean angle, improving visibility around corners and enhancing safety at night. As a motorcyclist, visibility is everything, both for you and for other drivers around you. The more easily you can see where you’re going, and the more easily other drivers can see you, the less likely you’ll be involved in a crash.

3. Quick Shifter

Third-generation quick shifters are becoming more commonplace on bikes, allowing for clutch-less up- and downshifts. This feature not only adds convenience, but also helps maintain stability by avoiding unnecessary clutch use at high speeds. It can also lower the learning curve for riding a motorcycle, making them much safer for novice riders who may otherwise struggle to focus on the road while also focusing on the mechanics of shifting gears.

4. Multiple Riding Modes

Many new motorcycles offer various riding modes to suit different riding conditions and preferences. These modes may include preferences such as Sport, Street, and Rain modes, adjusting settings for power delivery and traction control accordingly. Because road conditions affect the handling and safety of motorcycles more than passenger vehicles, allowing riders a chance to customize their bikes’ performance to match weather and road conditions can greatly improve their safety.

5. Emergency Stop Signal

The Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) in new motorcycles is a safety feature designed to reduce the risk of rear-end collisions during sudden stops. When the system detects rapid deceleration, it automatically activates the motorcycle’s hazard lights to alert drivers and riders following behind. This provides an immediate, visual warning that the motorcycle is slowing down quickly, helping to catch the attention of other road users more effectively than standard brake lights alone.

Other Features Are Available, but Defensive Riding Is Still Best

In addition to the safety features mentioned above, other cutting-edge innovations currently available or being developed include advanced helmet systems with heads-up displays and rear-view cameras, automatic braking that’s applied when a potential collision is predicted, airbag equipped jackets that deploy upon impact, and more.

These features represent just a few ways technology is making motorcycle riding safer. However, technology alone cannot prevent all accidents. Vigilance, proper training, and adherence to road laws remain key to ensuring safety on the road. Whether you’re a new rider or a veteran rider, it never hurts to take a motorcycle safety class to brush up on your skills and broaden your knowledge of riding on two wheels.

Contact Our Oklahoma City Motorcycle Accident Lawyers After a Crash

Just as high-tech safety features haven’t eliminated crashes for people driving cars, trucks, and SUVs, high-tech safety features won’t eliminate them for motorcyclists, either. One of the biggest risks motorcyclists face isn’t their own inexperience or lack of safety features, but rather inattentive, distracted, and aggressive drivers.

If you or someone you love was injured by a negligent driver while riding, our Oklahoma City motorcycle accident lawyers are here to help. We have the experience and aggressive approach to help you get the compensation you deserve, and we never back down to biased insurance companies that like to blame riders for their own accidents and injuries. Contact Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers today for a free case review.