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According to “Traffic Safety Facts” issued in 2015 by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycles made up just 3 percent of all registered vehicles in the United States in 2013 (latest available statistics). Also, motorcycles accounted for only 0.7 percent of all vehicle miles traveled. However, the fatality rate for motorcyclists in 2013 was 6 times the fatality rate for passenger car occupants, and the injury rate was just slightly higher for motorcyclists than for passenger car occupants. 

Over-braking is one of the most commonly observed motorcycle accidents according to the Governor’s Highway Safety Association (GHSA). Braking seems to be one of the most difficult skills for motorcyclists to master. Making it difficult is that motorcycles have two separate brake-control systems, one for each of the wheels, front and back.

NHTSA reports that when motorcyclists over-brake, they can lose control. Should the rear wheel be locked, the rider typically can lose directional control. If the front wheel locks, the stability is compromised, and the rider is likely to crash.

Abate of Southwest Florida conducts a Motorcycle Safety Awareness Program in an effort to reduce injuries and fatalities. To learn how to prevent over-braking or to take a refresher course, contact ABATE at SouthwestFloridaAbate.com

There have been reported problems with faulty brakes. In fact, Indian Motorcycle Company (Indian) and Harley-Davidson (Harley) have filed recalls.

• Indian recalled certain model year 2015 Scout N15MSA00AA, N15MSA00AH, N15MSA00AR, N15MSA00AS, N15MSA00BA, N15MSA00BH, N15MSA00BS, N15MSA00CA, and N15MSA00CS motorcycles manufactured May 12, 2014, to February 13, 2015.The recall was due to reported problems with rear brake master cylinders which caused a reduction in, or a complete loss of, rear brake power.

As part of the recall, Indian is notifying owners, and dealers are inspecting and replacing, free of charge, the rear brake master cylinder when necessary.

• Harley also filed a recall of approximately 19,015, 2012 Dyna and Softail motorcycles because of potential problems with the front brake master cylinder. The recall is targeting corrosion to banjo belt threads on the front brake lines that could result in a “sudden loss of brake fluid, which could lead to a loss of front brake function, possibly resulting in a crash.”

Harley encourages owners of these motorcycles to take their bikes to a local dealership for a free inspection. The dealers will flush and inspect the front brake master cylinder and replace it, if necessary.

In addition to faulty brake master cylinders, brake pads can be a problem and have resulted in recalls in the past. When brake pads malfunction, there can be a sudden loss in braking efficiency resulting in an increase in stopping distance. This increase in stopping distance often causes accidents.

Motorcyclists may contact the NHTSA vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or go to  Safercar.gov for more information on motorcycle recalls.

“If you or a loved one has been the victim of a motorcycle accident, contact the lawyers at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. to determine your rights,” said Fort Myers Motorcycle Accident Attorney, Randall Spivey.

Fort Myers Motorcycle Attorney, Randall L. Spivey is a Board Certified Trial Attorney – the highest recognition for competence bestowed by the Florida Bar and a distinction earned by just one (1%) percent of Florida attorneys.  He has handled over 2,000 personal injury and wrongful death cases throughout Florida.  For a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights, contact the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., in Lee County at 239.337.7483 or toll free at 1.888.477.4839,or by email to Randall@SpiveyLaw.com.  Visit SpiveyLaw.com for more information.  You can contact Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A.in Charlotte County at 941.764.7748 and in Collier County 239.793.7748.