Motorcycle Safety Tips

Bikers are among the most vulnerable people on the road

In the event of an accident, few people on the road are more vulnerable to injury or death than motorcyclists. Without the metal body of a vehicle protecting them, bikers are at an elevated risk of serious injury or death. It’s vitally important for both motorcyclists and motorists to take steps to prevent motorcycle accidents from happening.

What motorcyclists should do

The following are some tips to reduce your risk of accidents and injuries:

Wear a helmet.  Unhelmeted riders are three times more likely to die from injuries than riders who wear helmets, regardless of speed. Helmets are required by law in New Jersey, and while Pennsylvania bikers over the age of 21 are allowed to go without helmets, we don’t recommend doing so. Without a helmet, you’ll be at an elevated risk of a serious brain injury or death.

Wear the right attire. Besides protecting you from road rash and the elements, leather will reduce the risk of injury if you are involved in an accident. Goggles and face protection are at least as important.

Properly maintain your bike. Before hitting the road, check for any visible damage. Make sure you have the right level of tire pressure to help take turns and maintain control of your vehicle.

What motorists should do

The following are ways motorists can drive safely around motorcycles:

Pay attention at intersections. Statistically, the majority of accidents involving a car and a motorcycle happen when a motorist fails to yield the right of way to an oncoming motorcycle. Keeping an eye out at intersections would prevent most of these accidents.

Avoid distractions. Motorcycles are easy for texting drivers and other distracted drivers to overlook. It only takes a second to cause a rear-end collision that could throw a motorcyclist off his or her bike.

Follow at a safe distance. Motorcyclists often need to change speeds or change position within a lane as they adjust to changing road conditions. When motorists fail to follow at a safe distance, there’s a high chance of a collision.

Motorists and motorcyclists have a shared responsibility to drive safely and avoid accidents. That said, when collisions happen, it’s often the motorcyclist who suffers the worst injuries – and the motorist who is responsible for said injuries. If you’ve been hurt by an irresponsible driver, contact Flager & Associates today. We’ll fight for the compensation you need to keep moving forward.