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The Feds are out to save us, again...

2K views 11 replies 9 participants last post by  DriftlessRider 
#1 ·
I suspect many of us knew this was coming, and likely with more to follow as the U.S. federal safety bureaucrats strive to make us safer on the road. Sooner or later they will mandate M/C manufacturers to load up motorcycles with many of the so-called electronic safety features currently found on new model cars.

Read this;http://www.americanmotorcyclist.com/Home/News-Story/federal-agency-seeks-mandatory-motorcycle-abs

While ABS is probably a good thing, please note in the accident analysis graph that, BY FAR, the biggest danger to motorcyclists always has been and remains 4 wheeled vehicles failing to yield the right-of-way, and turning left in front of a motorcycle. The other big factor is alcohol and drug use, soon to be made worse by states clamoring to legalize pot. If we could remove these two factors from highways, we would be much, much safer.

What are they doing about these two problems ?? Very little to nothing. But,... they will continue to fritter away the basic experience of riding, even if these so called electronic safety features have little actual impact on accident statistics.
 
#2 ·
The link doesn't work for me, but until they mandate no motorcycles over 10yrs old on the road, plenty of used bikes to ride without all those "safety" aides. Unless they turn all the roads into a slot car style ride, there will always be dangers from others and from ourselves. Society has moved away from taking responsibility for one's actions thus the growing need for self aware vehicles to take over.
 
#3 ·
How about the self-driver motorcycle...oh...I guess that would be pointless....unless you're a pill. Sorry. Pillion!
 
#4 ·
I support requirements for ABS and traction control on new bikes. However, I am concerned about marijuana legalization. It appears that there is no reliable test to prove if someone is driving while high, thus people cannot be punished for DUI. That issue should be resolved before legalization.
 
#10 · (Edited)
They have a roadside test here in the UK , shamefully my nephew has recently received a 26 month ban for drug driving not sure what they detected at the roadside but in court it was ketamine cocaine and cannabis . As far as I'm concerned the ban should have been for life unless regular subsequent test show clear .:frown2: Test is a wipe on the tongue result in about 5 minutes not much slower than blowing in a breathalyser for alcohol .
 
#5 ·
Considering how lax laws are for DUI and punishments, and how many drivers are repeat offenders and still have a license, I wouldn't worry about pot and driving. It's taken decades for drunk drivers to be charged with vehicular homicide and especially for killing motorcyclists.
 
#6 ·
How about we just "worry" about both and put all the addicts in jail where they belong along with any one else who causes a death with their disregard for the rest of society, texting and driving, eating and driving, putting on lipstick and driving. All those should be charged with manslaughter AT LEAST.

When all that is done then talk to me about regulating manufactures.
 
#7 · (Edited)
Between a vehicle (2 or 4 wheeled) that has no ABS, TC, LSD, backup camera, Climate control, IMU, Cornering ABS, etc., you name it, and one that does, no chance for me to go with the old. Those are items I look for, and I will be looking for for more as technology becomes available. Get on with the times. I know for some this is “an infringement of freedom” LOL, but so would it be for me not to get those features because of you. :laugh2:
 
#8 ·
I bought my first new vehicle in 15 years a few months ago. It has all the bells and whistles, small lights and computers, and things that beep and buzz my seat to tell me when I'm doing something boneheaded, or when some bonehead is around me. It nudges me back in my lane if I drift, tells me to put my hands back on the steering wheel, and even suggests when I should stop for coffee. I rarely ride in other's vehicles (other than the wife's Mercedes, which I thought was "special"), so I was pretty much agog at how much vehicles had changed since I bought my 2002 Yukon. At first I felt like all of the gadgets were intruding on my driving pleasure and control. Now I'm grateful for them, and pretty much take them for granted.

I feel the same about the safety enhancements on bikes. To me they have become unobtrusive to the point I rarely think about them when I'm riding. I also think they will continue to improve.
 
#11 ·
As some of you celebrate the increased inclusion of driver / rider assist "safety features" on your cars and motorcycles, your driving / riding skills will likely deteriorate as you are lulled into autonomous driving. The machine will condition you to be dependent on it. We will loose the ability to master our machines, and they will master us.

Most so called "driver assist safety features" are, plain and simple, nothing more than crutches and "first aid" treatment for "operator error", I.E.,.. folks who screw up behind the wheel. Why do you need auto braking? Because, likely, you had your hand held device at the end of your nose, and failed to see that you where overtaking the car in front of you.

As these systems proliferate, and people become more reliant on them, you WILL see more (not less) distracted driving such as, but not limited to, texting, phoning, internet surfing, movie watching, newspaper reading, personal grooming, eating, etc., etc.

But, who knows, likely some video game company will market a game that can provide you with a simulation of what motorcycling once was. The experience of just a basic M/C where the rider alone controlled the throttle, brakes, and gears, based on his skills and experience and not a computer program.
 
#12 ·
As these systems proliferate, and people become more reliant on them, you WILL see more (not less) distracted driving such as, but not limited to, texting, phoning, internet surfing, movie watching, newspaper reading, personal grooming, eating, etc., etc.
Like the guy napping while his Telsa drove him down the highway: https://www.extremetech.com/extreme...ving-tesla-with-sleeping-man-behind-the-wheel

I am glad I've been able to ride a motorcycle unassisted by these "aids", and a bit sad that the next generation will have a hard time finding a way to do so.
 
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