No matter how many years you’ve been riding a motorcycle and what your level of experience is, accidents and emergency situations can arise. If you find yourself unable to avoid a hazard and needing to come to an emergency stop on your motorcycle, it is vital to know how to do so safely and correctly. In such situations, injured riders might need to consult a Las Vegas motorcycle accident lawyer to handle the resulting claim.
Use the Right Braking Ratio
Motorcycles have unique braking systems where the front and rear brakes operate independently. In an emergency stop situation, the correct ratio of front to rear brake must be applied for it to be effective. You should use a combination of both brakes, but the front brake should always be applied more than the rear. The average ratio is 60/40 or 70/30 front-to-rear brake. Applying the rear brake too heavily comes with high risk of the tire locking up and the motorcycle going sideways.
ABS vs. No ABS
Most modern motorcycles have anti-lock braking systems, or ABS. This is an advanced type of brake that prevents the tire from locking up due to excessive braking. If your motorcycle has ABS, you can steadily apply the brakes or apply them with full pressure without worrying about having to release to avoid locking up. If you are on an older motorcycle that does not have ABS, you will need to tap your brakes, or continually release and reapply them. Press them once, then release immediately to regain tire traction. Continue reapplying and releasing them with less pressure. Otherwise, you may lock up the tires and be unable to stop in time.
Keep Your Motorcycle Straight and Upright
If you have to use your emergency brakes on a motorcycle, do your best not to move the handlebars. Continue traveling in a straight line to help keep your bike upright. Turning or jerking the handlebars at the same time as brake application could cause you to skid, lose traction, veer off course or lay the motorcycle down on the ground. Riding in a straight line will help you make an emergency stop safely.
Don’t Change Gears
During an emergency stop, hitting the brakes is your top priority. For this reason, you do not need to change gears during this maneuver. Changing gears or pulling the clutch could cause your rear tire to lose traction, creating higher odds of the tire locking up and causing the motorcycle to skid. Pulling the clutch can also stop engine braking, which can make it harder to come to a sudden stop.
Preventing Emergency Stops Is Always Best
While it is important to know how to come to a sudden stop on your motorcycle in an emergency, preventing the situation from occurring is always preferred. Do everything within your power to prevent this situation by riding prudently and planning ahead. Use these tips:
- Look far ahead to spot potential hazards in advance
- Avoid distractions
- Maneuver around an obstacle rather than hitting the brakes whenever possible
- Ride at a safe speed for conditions
Emergency braking on a motorcycle is less effective than in a motor vehicle. For this reason, it should only be used when there is no other choice and an obstacle cannot be avoided. Practice your emergency braking in a safe place, such as an empty parking lot, to learn what is best for your bike.