May is Motorcycle Safety Month

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

May is Motorcycle Safety Month

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

Riding a motorcycle comes with a significant set of risks, but these risks can be lessened by utilizing safe riding practices. For starters, motorcycles are much less crashworthy than their enclosed counterparts. A motorcycle’s small size also makes it more difficult to be seen by other motorists. In fact, motorcycle riders are 26 times more likely to die in a crash than drivers of other vehicles. However, the following safety tips can make riding a safe, enjoyable experience for everyone.

Always wear a helmet. Wearing a helmet improves your chance of surviving an accident by approximately 40 percent. Unfortunately, only 19 states (and the District of Columbia) currently have the universal helmet law, which requires all motorcyclists to wear a helmet.

Attend a training course. In addition to possibly getting an insurance discount for attending, you will also learn useful safety tips and rules of the road. Training courses can be excellent for inexperienced riders as well as those who simply want a refresher.

Consider a motorcycle with an anti-lock brake systems (ABS). This feature significantly reduces the risk of injury in an accident. Medical claims for riders of bikes with ABS were 34 percent less likely than those that did not have ABS.

Use extra caution in construction zones. Motorcycle season and construction season occur at the same time in most parts of the country. Construction zones can be especially dangerous for motorcycles because of loose gravel, uneven roads, and debris on the road.

Avoid road hazards and bad weather conditions. Road hazards such as potholes, dead animals, and uneven pavement can be extremely dangerous for motorcyclists. Similarly, icy or snow-covered roads should be avoided when possible.

Utilize safe riding practices. Do not use excessive speed, engage in lane-splitting (riding between two lanes of traffic), or drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Drive defensively. Although a bias toward motorcycle riders exists, most accidents involving a motorcycle and other vehicle are actually the other vehicle’s fault. Distracted driving is a very real problem on today’s roads. Always leave ample distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. Use extra caution at intersections and when cars are making left-hand turns.

Contact Malman Law – Motorcycle Accident Attorneys

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you should contact a personal injury attorney with experience in this area. The motorcycle accident attorneys at Malman Law have been protecting the rights of motorcycle riders for years. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Contact us today for a free consultation about your case.