In 2019, 5,014 motorcyclists died as a result of motorcycle accidents, with approximately 90,000 riders injured. According to some published reports about motorcycle accidents, the trend, unfortunately, will continue. To keep everyone safe, drivers and motorcyclists should share the road and be alert, and motorcyclists should make themselves visible, use DOT-compliant motorcycle helmets, and to always ride sober.

Safe riding practices and cooperation from all road users will help reduce the number of fatalities and injuries on our nation’s highways. But it’s especially important for drivers to understand the safety challenges faced by motorcyclists such as size and visibility, and motorcycle riding practices like downshifting and weaving to know how to anticipate and respond to them. 

HELMETS PREVENT MOTORCYCLE INJURIES

If you ride a motorcycle and want to prevent motorcycle injuries, you already know how much fun riding can be. But motorcycling also can be dangerous, because of the severity of motorcycle accidents. Per vehicle miles traveled in 2019, motorcyclists were about 29 times more likely than passenger vehicle occupants to die in a motor vehicle crash and were 4 times more likely to be injured. These injuries often require the hiring of a motorcycle wreck attorney to obtain compensation for injuries. Safe motorcycling takes balance, coordination, and good judgment. Helmets are the single most effective way to prevent motorcycle accident injuries.

 MAKE SURE YOU ARE PROPERLY LICENSED

Driving a car and riding a motorcycle require different skills and knowledge. Although motorcycle-licensing regulations vary, all states require a motorcycle license endorsement to supplement your automobile driver’s license. To receive the proper endorsement in most states, you’ll need to pass written and on-cycle skills tests administered by your state’s licensing agency. Some states require you to take a state-sponsored rider education course. Others waive the on-cycle skills test if you’ve already taken and passed a state-approved course. Either way, completing a motorcycle rider education course is a good way to ensure you have the correct instruction and experience it takes to ride a motorcycle. Contact your state motor vehicle administration to find a motorcycle rider-training course near you.

Of the motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes in 2019, 30% were riding without valid motorcycle licenses

Prevent motorcycle wrecks with regular maintenance.

Check your motorcycle’s tire pressure and tread depth, hand and foot brakes, headlights and signal indicators, and fluid levels before you ride. You should also check under the motorcycle for signs of oil or gas leaks. If you’re carrying cargo, you should secure and balance the load on the cycle; and adjust the suspension and tire pressure to accommodate the extra weight. If you’re carrying a passenger, that passenger should mount the motorcycle only after the engine has started; should sit as far forward as possible, directly behind you; and should keep both feet on the foot rests at all times, even when the motorcycle is stopped. Remind your passenger to keep his or her legs and feet away from the muffler. Tell your passenger to hold on firmly to your waist, hips, or belt; keep movement to a minimum; and lean at the same time and in the same direction as you do. Do not let your passenger dismount the motorcycle until you say it is safe.

HURT IN A MOTORCYCLE WRECK? CONTACT a MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYER TODAY. 

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you should immediately (at the scene) contact the authorities, and if you are injured, get to a hospital. Then, contact a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible. The evidence you need to pursue your claim can be gathered and preserved, and a claim against those responsible can be prepared. Call 888-353-5995 or email us at info@flynnfirm.com today.