Motorcycle Awareness Month - Safety Tips For You

motocycle accident settlement

Our office handles motorcycle crashes and since May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month it’s important to keep in mind safety precautions before you hop on your bike for the first ride of the season. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclist deaths occur 27 times more frequently than fatalities in other vehicles. Thus, it’s important to protect yourself as a motorcyclist and one of the best ways is through use of a helmet. Helmet use is surely not a “cure all” for motorcyclist safety, but it does help prevent accident injuries to vital parts of the body including the brain, neck, and face. A helmet is effective 67% of the time in preventing brain injuries according to NHTSA. Additionally, the Rhode Island Department of Transportation reported that half of all motorcycle fatalities involve un-helmeted riders.

So how do you choose the right helmet for you? Well, when choosing a helmet it’s important to make sure it’s fitted properly so that it won’t bounce and wobble with every movement the bike makes. To find the correctly sized helmet for you, measure the circumference of your head above the eyebrows and apply your measurement to a chart found at https://www.msf-usa.org/downloads/helmet_csi.pdf. Additionally, if your helmet has a DOT sticker it means that it meets the Department of Transportation’s standards for on-highway use. Although it is not recommended that you wear a helmet with this sticker, a helmet without it could indicate substandard protection.

Motorcyclists Safety Ideas

Along with getting a protective helmet, motorcyclists can also:

  • Wear appropriate gear. Leather clothing, boots with nonskid soles, and gloves can protect motorcyclists from sustaining severe injuries.
  • Get some good training and education. Some advanced courses are offered at many racetracks. The tuition can be a lot less expensive than a long hospital stay (or worse).
  • Wear bright colors. This can help improve your and your motorcycle’s visibility for other drivers around you.
  • Be on the lookout at all times. One of the most common motorcycle accidents occurs when the driver of a car fails to see you and turns left in front of you. Be aware that drivers are watching for oncoming cars and their brains may fail to register the presence of a motorcycle.

Contact Us Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact the Bottaro Law Firm, LLC for the best legal advice. Our team is well versed in motorcycle accidents and can help you get the results you deserve. Call us at 401-777-7777 or fill out our free online form.