Motorcycle Safety Tips
The spring months are here, and it is the perfect time for motorcyclists and motorists alike to enjoy the sunny weather on the open road. It makes sense that May is recognized as National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, considering that this is the time of year you see most motorcycle riders out on the highways.
Safety on the roads is a jointed effort; whether you travel by car or motorcycle, sharing the road cautiously and being aware of each other is key to getting everyone to their destination safely. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycles only make up less than one percent of vehicle miles traveled in the U.S. but accounted for 14 percent of motor vehicle deaths in 2017.
Special Considerations for Motorcyclists
Riding a motorcycle is quite different than driving a car. Drivers and riders need to understand the limitations and challenges motorcyclists face on the road. Doing so will reduce incidence of motorcycle accidents and make the road a safer place. The following are some tips for everyone to follow in honor of National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month:
- Always wear a helmet that meets DOT standards. Helmets are the single best way to prevent motorcycle deaths. Many also have face shields that guard against wind and bugs and eye injuries.
- Bright or florescent clothing is recommended as well to make you more visible to others. Visibility is a major factor in motorcycle accidents. Drivers often do not see the motorcycle or are not aware of them because their smaller and quicker. Drivers and riders alike should understand blind spots of cars; drivers should always check their blind spots, and riders should avoid them.
- Never drink when operating a motorcycle, or any vehicle for that matter. According to the NHTSA, one quarter of motorcycle fatalities in 2016 involved drivers who were impaired by alcohol, more than cars or trucks.
- Know the rules of the road. Most states require further testing for a motorcyclist to get their license, with some states requiring safety classes as well. Always drive defensively, do not speed, and yield to others when traffic is heavy. You can never predict what another person will do.
- Whether you drive a car or ride a motorcycle, it is always a good idea to check your tires, tire pressures, and fluids before going out on the road, especially if it is a long trip.
- Riding a motorcycle requires a fair amount of skill and is different than driving a car, but the rules of the road are the same. Motorcycle riders should always stick to their skill level and understand that every bike is different, with some being far more powerful than others.
Highland Park Personal Injury Lawyers at the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr Help Motorcyclists Injured in an Accident
If you have been injured while riding a motorcycle, you are urged to call the Law Offices of Harold J. Gerr. Our experienced Highland Park personal injury lawyers are committed to recovering maximum compensation for your injuries. Call us today at 877-249-4600 or 732-537-8570 or contact us online to arrange a free consultation. From our offices in Highland Park, New Jersey, we represent clients in New Brunswick, Somerset, Piscataway, Edison, South River, Sayreville, Metuchen, East Brunswick, South Plainfield, Fords, Middlesex, Old Bridge, Iselin, Bound Brook, Perth Amboy, and Colonia.
