What is a Motorcycle Crash Bar?

September 30, 2021 | Motorcycle accident,Personal Injury

Avid motorcyclists know that they take certain risks when they head out on the roadway. Accidents involving motorcycles versus traditional passenger vehicles often result in significant injuries for the motorcyclist. However, there are ways to reduce motorcycle accident injuries and property damage. A motorcycle crash bar is a piece of equipment that attaches to the frame of the bike, and it can prevent the cycle from falling over entirely when it is parked or if a minor collision occurs on the roadway.

Motorcycle Crash Bars and Roadway Safety

Even though motorcycle accidents only comprise a small fraction of accidents on Washington roadways, the reality is that motorcyclists do need to take steps to remain safe. It is strongly recommended that motorcyclists wear helmets and other approved safety gear to reduce the risk of them sustaining a severe injury if a crash does occur. However, a motorcycle crash bar is a simple piece of safety equipment that can also help prevent a serious injury from occurring.

A motorcycle crash bar is a piece of metal that extends a few inches past the side of a motorcycle. Even if you are not sure exactly what this device looks like, you’ve probably seen one before. The designs vary, but they sometimes come in “mustache” or “hoop” designs.

Motorcycle crash bars can be made of various materials, including aluminum, mild steel, or stainless steel. Aluminum is the lightest and will not add much weight to the bike, but it is not as strong as steel. Mild steel is the strongest of these materials, but it can rust if the bike is left outside for long periods of time.

Motorcycle crash bars are designed to be effective if a motorcycle falls or is involved in a collision. In these situations, the bar will often prevent the motorcycle from falling all the way onto its side. This can help keep the heavy motorcycle from crushing the rider and passengers underneath. A motorcycle crash bar can also protect the fuel tank, engine, and other components of the motorcycle.

Motorcycle crash bars can prevent a wide variety of injuries but are best able to prevent debilitating leg injuries. This includes ankle and foot injuries as well as injuries to the lower legs.

Motorcycle Accident Stats in Washington State

Data available from the Washington Department of Transportation shows us that there were 476 motorcycles involved in fatal or suspected serious injury crashes across the state during the latest reporting year. 

Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries for the riders on the bikes. Motorcyclists have very little protection from the force of another vehicle slamming into them or from an impact with the ground. Motorcycle crash bars may not be able to prevent all injuries, but they can help prevent some injuries from occurring. We strongly encourage motorcyclists to use any type of safety gear that can help lessen the chances that a severe injury will occur in the event a collision does happen.

Working With a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer

If you or somebody you care about has been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by the careless or negligent actions of another driver in Washington, you need to speak to an attorney as soon as possible. A motorcycle accident lawyer in Washington can help investigate every aspect of what happened. They will gather the evidence needed to prove liability and negotiate vigorously with the insurance carriers involved to help obtain maximum compensation for the injured motorcyclist.