Evaluation of the effectiveness of anti-lock braking systems on motorcycle safety in Australia

This study sets out to assess the benefits of ABS technology fitted to motorcycles, classification, LC>125cc (no scooters with engine cylinder capacity exceeding 50ml and/or a maximum speed exceeding 50km/h), using Australian crash data, to compare these findings with published international research, and to estimate the likely benefits in reduced crashes and injuries in the years ahead. Importantly, the findings showed that the presence of ABS on these motorcycles resulted in a 33% reduction in all injuries in relevant crash types and a 39% reduction in severe injuries in these crashes. The benefits varied depending on the type of crash, whether it was a single or multi-vehicle crash, occurred at an intersection, and whether the road was wet or not. There was good consistency in these findings across the various Australian states and similar international findings. Consequently there are marked savings in fewer fatalities as well as severe and minor injuries in these crashes and even further reductions are predicted over the next 10 years. It is predicted that these savings would be enhanced by efforts to increase the fitment rate of ABS on all new LC motorcycles in the coming years. The rate of fitment could be accelerated by mandating the fitment of ABS technology for all new LC>125cc motorcycles with associated reductions in crashes and severe injuries.