Called 'Help Connect', Bosch have created a smart system designed to cut motorcycle accident response time by up to half. In surveys, German motorcyclists came out 80% in favour of more technical assistance systems for motorcycles to keep riding safer.

Help Connect is a smartphone based emergency call system which was developed using accident research data. It works via a sensor which, using the motorcycle's inertial measurement unit which is already fitted in most motorcycles to measure acceleration and angular velocity, can detect an accident the instant it happens, and relay the relevant information to the Bosch Service Centre. The Service Centre is open round the clock and can locate the motorcycle using the smart phone's gps and pass on accurate information to the emergency services, even if there is no response from the rider. The app can also be programmed to call a named contact as well in the event of an emergency situation.

This new potentially life saving system is due to launch in Germany, but will be available in 11 European countries, all in the rider's native language. The Help Connect System is apparently easy to install using a smartphone app.

So what do you think - is this a smart safety idea and would you use it? Let us know at [email protected]