Regardless of whether you are a passenger or the person behind the wheel, driving is always a calculated risk. Traffic accidents and the injuries associated with them are one of leading causes of death in the U.S, with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reporting around twenty percent of car crashes result in injury or death. While the risk involved in driving in a car is already quite high, the risk in riding a motorcycle is leagues above.
A staggering 80 percent of crashes involving motorcycles result in injury or death. Riding a motorcycle is dangerous, and it is crucial that you keep these tips in mind while you are on the road, to keep you (and others on the road) safe.
One of the easiest, most effective safety precautions you can take as a motorcycle rider is to wear appropriate riding gear. By wearing long pants and thick protective jackets, plus gloves, eye wear, and boots that cover your ankles, you protect yourself against road rash and debris that may fly up in a collision. Even if you live in a state without helmet laws, it is vital that you wear a light colored, full face, Department of Transportation-approved helmet as it decreases your risk for head injuries by nearly seventy percent.
No matter your experience level, all motorcyclists can benefit from enrolling in a safety course. Not only do motorcycle safety courses provide riders with education on how to protect themselves on the road, but they also often provide other critical information, such as how to maintain your motorcycle or what options are available for protective gear. Options for both in-person and virtual classes are available on The Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s website.
In addition, you should routinely inspect your bike, since mechanical failures can cause serious crashes. By simply performing consistent, pre-ride inspections and confirming that your headlamps, turn signals, and brake lights are working properly, you can greatly reduce your risk of a crash.
Due to smaller vehicles, motorcyclists must take preventive measures to ensure other drivers see them. Day or night, you should wear bright, reflective outerwear, and even add some reflective materials on your bike. Lastly, ride in whatever section of a lane makes you the most visible to other drivers and do not be afraid to honk if it looks like they do not see you.
Alcohol use remains a major factor in motorcycle accidents, as it impacts driver alertness and response. Additionally, alcohol-impaired motorcycle riders are also less likely to use helmets, which dramatically increases your risk of a deadly incident.
Despite our best intentions, accidents still happen due to someone else’s negligence. At Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law, we understand that sometimes you can do everything right, and still end up in the hospital. If you were involved in a motorcycle accident that was not your fault, call the compassionate motorcycle injury attorneys on our team for a free consultation. We fight so you don’t have to, and we won’t take no for an answer when it comes to recovering damages on your behalf.
To Schedule an Appointment, Call Us Toll Free at 1.877.873.8208 or Email Us for a Prompt Response.
Jan Dils, Attorneys at Law
