The BikerGuard electric motorcycle helmet visor wiper was officially presented at Odiseja Ljubljana, with representatives from the Slovenian police, the Road Safety Agency (AVP), and the insurance industry in attendance. The participants highlighted the importance of such innovations for improving road safety and called on motorcyclists to exercise caution, especially in bad weather.
The BikerGuard electric visor wiper is operated via a button on the handlebar and provides a clear view of the road in rainy conditions. As majority owner and advisor Ivo Boscarol explained at the event, the product helps motorcyclists who are surprised by rain or whose visor gets covered with water while riding.
It happens that riders have to take their hand off the handlebar to clean their visor, and in that moment they are significantly more vulnerable on the road, Boscarol explained.
A Comparison to the Seatbelt
Boscarol noted that it will take some time for the product to gain traction on the market. Every innovation is always met with a degree of skepticism, he said, drawing a parallel to the doubts people had when Volvo introduced the now-mandatory seatbelt.
Strategic partners can play a major role in bringing such innovations to international markets. In the case of BikerGuard, insurer Generali will offer special premium benefits to motorcyclists equipped with the visor wiper. Safety comes first, and working on prevention and reducing traffic accidents is key, said Petra Dragsic, director of Elite Insurance.
International Recognition
The electric visor wiper is currently being tested by the London Metropolitan Police and blood delivery riders in England, with talks underway with American and Canadian police as well.
The Slovenian police will also begin testing the wipers soon. Matjaz Leskovar from the traffic police sector at the General Police Directorate noted that every such element can make a significant contribution to road safety.
Road Safety Statistics
Leskovar pointed to statistics showing that in half of fatal traffic accidents involving motorcyclists last year, the motorcyclists themselves were at fault. The most common cause is excessive speed, meaning drivers must adapt their speed to traffic signs, rules, and weather conditions, he said.
Last year, 26 motorcyclists died on Slovenian roads - twice as many as the year before, warned Sasa Jevsnik Kafol, director of the Road Safety Agency. We urge all motorcyclists to be aware of the dangers, to be focused, to sit on their bike well-rested, not to ride under the influence of alcohol, to attend safe riding programs, and not to overestimate their abilities, she said.