Retrospective benefit estimation of motorcycle ABSs based on Swiss insurance data

With the growing use of motorcycle antilock braking systems (ABSs) in the European market in recent years, we would expect to see a noticeable reduction in the number of motorcycle crashes. Several studies have proved a crash-reducing effect of motorcycle ABSs. The objective of this survey is to expand former studies by analyzing Swiss insurance data to derive estimates about the effect of motorcycle ABSs in Europe. Swiss insurance data are analyzed descriptively, and based on these data, regression models are estimated to determine the effect of motorcycle ABSs retrospectively. Motorcycles equipped with standard ABSs were associated with an 18% reduction in claim frequency compared to motorcycles without ABSs, based on Swiss liability insurance data. These numbers are in line with the results of other studies estimating the benefit of motorcycle ABSs. This study updates and adds to previous European studies by using insurance data.