What You Should Know About Motorcycle Safety

motocycle accident settlement

Compared to motor vehicle accidents, motorcycle accidents are almost always more devastating and dangerous due to the lack of protection motorcycle riders have. While vehicles give drivers and passengers the added protection of being enclosed with airbags and seat belts, motorcyclists only have the security of their helmets.

Motorcycle Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle deaths occurred 27 times more frequently than fatalities in other vehicles and accounted for 13 percent of all motor vehicle crash deaths in 2015. In 2015 alone, 4,976 people died in motorcycle crashes and 88,000 motorcyclists were injured. The Insurance Information Institute concluded that older motorcyclists account for more than half of all motorcyclist fatalities and found that in 2015, 54 percent of motorcyclists killed in crashes were age 40 or older.

How to Stay Safe When Riding a Motorcycle

  1. Wear Appropriate Gear – wearing a helmet is the best way to protect against severe head injuries. When a motorcyclist chooses not to wear a helmet, he is five times more likely to sustain a critical head injury. Also, wearing leather clothing, boots with nonskid soles, and gloves can protect a motorcyclist from sustaining severe injuries.
  2. Get Licensed – all motorcyclists should complete a formal riding education program, get licensed, and take riding course from time to time to develop riding techniques.
  3. Ride Responsibly – obey traffic lights, signs, speed limits, and lane markings. Motorcyclists should always ride with the flow of traffic and leave plenty of room between them and other vehicles since motorcycles can be hidden in a car’s blind spots.
  4. Be Alcohol and Drug Free – alcohol and drugs negatively affect a motorcyclists judgement, coordination, balance, throttle control, and ability to shift gears.

Contact Us Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, you need a skillful, energetic, and experienced attorney to help prepare your case. The injury lawyers at Bottaro Law Firm, LLC have the resources to investigate your accident and fight to protect your legal rights. For a free consultation, give us a call at 401-777-7777.