Publisher's Synopsis
Motorcycles are a significant method of transport in the South east Asian region. It has been reported that motorcyclists underutilise their braking systems, even in emergency conditions. This is particularly true of the front brake and it is thought that a fear of locking the wheels is a significant contributor to this response. Research has indicated that even a brief period of wheel lock, less than 0.5 of a second, can cause instability and a fall. With the front brake providing 70 - 80% of the braking capability, underutilisation will result in significantly increased stopping distances/less than optimal speed reduction, and riders who systematically avoid its use are unlikely to be prepared to use it in an emergency situation. Motorcycles equipped with ABS allow for significant braking improvements that could prevent collisions or, if avoidance was not possible, much reduced impact speeds. Braking regulations, made under the auspices of the United Nations Commission for Europe's World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations, include detailed performance requirements for anti-lock braking systems. With UN Regulation No. 78 being widely used by manufacturers as the global braking standard for motorcycles (or, in some cases, the equivalent UN Global Technical Regulation No.3) National Administrations have a ready-made text to use as part of any initiative to advance the penetration of the technology into the vehicle fleet.
