Motorcycle riders have a much higher rate of death and serious injury in road accidents than occupants of passenger vehicles. According to federal statistics, motorcycle riders are 35 times more likely to die in a crash than others on the road. While many accidents are caused by the negligence of other drivers, there are things that a motorcycle rider can do to increase his or her safety and avoid serious injuries.
How Can I Stay Safe on a Motorcycle?
Safety on a motorcycle is often about common sense. Some simple tips for staying safe while riding include:
Wear a helmet
The primary types of serious or fatal injuries resulting from motorcycle crashes are head and neck injuries. These are often caused by the victim being ejected from the motorcycle upon impact with another vehicle or object. While a helmet will not prevent all head and neck injuries, experts estimate that about 37 percent of all motorcycle fatalities can be prevented simply by using an approved helmet for protection.
Get licensed and take a course
While motorcycle riders are required to have a special license endorsement, many do not. About 25 percent of all motorcycle fatalities involve non-licensed riders and 90 percent of accidents involve untrained riders. This is a good indication that motorcycle riders should not operate these vehicles without proper training. A motorcycle safety course can greatly reduce your chances of being involved in an accident, particularly if the course includes defensive driving components.
Avoid alcohol
About half of all single-vehicle motorcycle accidents involve DUI on the part of the rider. You should never drink alcohol and operate a motorcycle.
Wear bright colors and mark your bike.
Brightly-colored clothing and reflective paint can make you more visible to other drivers.
Perform routine maintenance and repairs
Keep your motorcycle is good running condition at all times. If your bike needs repairs, be sure they are made before you take it on the road.
Be careful with lane changes
Along with left turns in front of oncoming motorcycles, a driver changing a lane is one of the most frequent causes of accidents. Drivers tend to have a blind spot when it comes to motorcycles, so do not “hover” near a car if possible.
Avoid riding in bad weather or on roads that have debris or construction Keep to safe, well-maintained roads and only ride during good weather. Wet roads and obstacles are some of the most common causes of motorcycle crashes, particularly single-vehicle accidents.
What If I Am Involved in a Motorcycle Crash?
If you are involved in an accident while riding a motorcycle, be sure to seek immediate medical attention, even if the accident was very minor. Most motorcycle crashes result in some degree of injury. If you are injured, contact a personal injury attorney at David & Philpot, P.L. We have been handling motorcycle accident claims for over 20 years and can assist you in recovering payment for your medical bills, lost wages and other expenses associated with your accident.
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