Federal Regulators Shelve Plans to Mandate Anti-Lock Brakes on Motorcycles
Traffic fatalities are rising again, following a long downward curve, driven in part by a high number of motorcycle deaths. Even though over 5000 bikers are dying on the nation’s roads annually, federal regulators have taken an ambiguous position requiring a safety measure that could save hundreds of lives annually. Since the 1990’s anti-lock braking systems (ABS) have been a standard feature on most passenger vehicles. For years, the same technology has been shown to be a valuable method of preventing motorcycle deaths. ABS technology works by preventing the wheels from locking up during hard braking or slippery braking conditions, permitting better control of the bike. [...]