In most accidents involving motorcycles and automobiles, the driver of the automobile is at fault. The most common reason for these accidents? The driver of the automobile simply was not aware of the motorcycle’s presence. They were distracted or didn’t take the time to check that the way was clear when they changed lanes or pulled out into traffic.
So, it’s understandable that motorcycle riders would want to take every step to ensure that a motorist knows of their approach. Some cyclists drive with their headlights on and wear bright colors. Others take a different approach, and rely on “loud” exhaust pipes that amplify the sound of the motorcycle’s engine and exhaust noise.
These pipes can certainly be loud (and incredibly annoying to some people), but do they really save lives? The results of a recent study suggest that loud pipes do not, in fact, alert a motorist of an approaching motorcycle.
Even Loud Approaching Motorcycles Can’t Be Heard from Inside a Car
The Romanian Association for the Development of Motorcycling, along with the Polytechnic University of Bucharest’s Department of Motor Vehicles, conducted a study to determine how well a car’s passengers hear the pipes of an approaching motorcycle. Six different types of motorcycles were placed at specific distances around a stationary car. One was 50 feet behind the car, another was 33 feet behind the car, another was right alongside the car, and finally, there was one just in front of the car. Once in position, each motorcycle revved its engines to the redline.
The auto used for the study had its engine revving, the windows rolled up, and the radio playing.
The results were clear. The motorcycles 50 feet away couldn’t be heard by the occupants of the car, even with the exhaust peaking at 110 dB. Even at 33 feet, only one motorcycle was loud enough to be heard from inside the car. The one riding alongside the car was barely noticeable as well.
Ride Defensively and Do Not Rely on Loud Pipes to Save Lives
The takeaway: don’t rely on loud pipes to keep you safe on the road. Always ride defensively. Assume the other vehicles on the road can’t see you and keep yourself out of potentially dangerous situations.
In fact, loud pipes can be hazardous to your health. Not only do they not help to prevent accidents, but the excessive noise can cause hearing loss and damage as well. If you ride with loud pipes, wear a specially soundproofed helmet or at least earplugs to protect your hearing.
Protect Your Rights After a Florida Motorcycle Accident
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident that was caused by a careless motorist, it’s important to protect your rights. This includes the right to collect compensation for the damages caused by your motorcycle injuries, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Tania Rivas and Rivas Law Group are here to protect your rights. Lutz motorcycle accident attorney Tania Rivas has successfully represented clients injured in motorcycle accidents all over Central Florida. Tania’s legal knowledge and skills have enabled her to obtain millions of dollars in settlements for clients.
Contact Rivas Law Group through our website or call us at (813) 406-4460 to schedule a free consultation to discuss your motorcycle accident injuries.
