Distracted driving is the most common type of negligent driving behavior impacting motorcycle riders in Alabama and across the nation. It is reported that distracted driving has become a “dangerous epidemic” resulting in approximately 421,000 injuries and 3,328 deaths in 2012 alone. Motorcyclists are at far higher risk.
Android-Powered Smart Motorcycle Helmet with Heads-Up Display
A recent technological advancement in the field of distracted driving detection is the Skully AR-1, a new Android-powered “smart” motorcycle helmet with “heads-up display”. This helmet also comes equipped with a rearview camera, GPS navigation, and supports helmet-to-helmet communications.
According to the manufacturer’s website, this new helmet has been extensively road-tested and received DOT/ECE certification. The so-called “heads-up display” (HUD) allows the wearer to see the feed from the rearview camera, as well as what is in his or her blind spots, in a transparent display. Riders will no longer need to turn their heads or take their eyes off the road to see potential dangers around them. The display is intended to act as an extension of one’s peripheral vision, which is commonly hindered by traditional motorcycle helmets.
Other Technological Advancements Geared to Address Driver Distractions
This new smart helmet is not the only technological advancement addressing driver distractions. Significant technological developments in recent years include:
- Lane departure warning systems
- Apps designed to prevent cell phone distractions while driving
- Collision avoidance brake assistance
- Eye tracking sensors to detect fatigue or distraction
Distracted Drivers: A Menace for Motorcycle Riders in Alabama
Distracted drivers often are under the impression that it is okay to take their hands off the wheel, eyes off the road or mind off the task of driving, as long as they are doing so only for a short period of time. This could not be further from the truth. On average, most drivers who take their eyes off the road do so for an average of five seconds. If your vehicle is traveling 55 mph, you could easily drive the length of a football field during this period of time. Texting has been shown to increase a driver’s chances of being involved in a serious injury accident by up to 23 times over that of a distraction-free driver.
It is not just drivers of cars, trucks and other motor vehicles who are guilty of such behavior either. Motorcyclists can easily become distracted while riding. The question is, what measures can a motorcyclist take to avoid becoming distracted and lower his or her risk of being involved in a serious motorcycle accident?
Why Distracted Motorcyclists Are More at Risk Than Other Distracted Drivers
One of the most significant dangers a distracted motorcyclist faces is he or she often has very little time to react to avoid being involved in an accident, far less than other types of distracted drivers. Drivers can sometimes avoid a collision by quickly swerving into another lane. If a motorcyclist attempts to perform this same type of evasive procedure, he or she could easily lose balance or control and crash. Motorcyclists are also far more at risk of sustaining a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury during an accident than any other type of motorist.
Talk to the Alabama Motorcycle Acccident Lawyers at Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. Today
For peace of mind after a serious motorcycle crash, contact the personal injury lawyers from Belt, Bruner, & Barnett P.C. at (205) 933-1500 to schedule your no-risk consultation and to get your case started today.
We have attorneys in multiple locations across the state of Alabama. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, call our Montgomery motorcycle accident lawyers, Mobile motorcycle accident lawyers, Huntsville motorcycle accident lawyers, or Birmingham motorcycle accident lawyers today to see how we can help you.
