Motorcycle crashes remain one of the most prevalent causes of injury and death on the road. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, motorcyclists are 30 times more likely to die in a collision than those in a motor vehicle. Following safety guidelines can significantly decrease your risk of an accident. A combination of abiding by basic driving rules, wearing proper attire and refraining from drinking and riding will prevent injury or a collision. Here are our top 4 safety tips for motorcycle riders.
1. If you are a motorcycle owner, you should never hit the road without wearing a helmet. Helmets save motorcycle riders’ lives. Unhelmeted motorcycle riders are twice as likely to suffer traumatic brain injuries from crashes, according to the NHTSA. In the event of an accident, motorcycle helmets absorb the impact of a crash on the brain and keep your head safe.
2. Wear protective clothing that provides some level of injury protection. Wear long pants and long sleeves, even in the summertime. Leather or armored clothing is best. Wear bright colors or reflective materials to be easily visible on the road. Protect your feet and ankles by wearing closed-toed, over-the-ankle shoes or boots.
3. Do not drink and ride. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, twenty-eight percent of motorcycle riders who died in 2010 had a blood alcohol concentration that was at or above the legal limit of .08 g/dL.
4. Be aware of road conditions, climate and traffic patterns. Maintain a safe speed and exercise caution when riding over slippery surfaces or gravel. Avoid tailgating and give yourself enough space to safely navigate around dangers.
We hope you enjoy the warm summer weather. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident or a loved one has been killed in a fatal motorcycle accident caused by another’s negligence, please call the skilled personal injury attorneys at Rutter Mills. We are available to speak to you or text you day or night at 757-622-5000. The motorcycle injury attorneys at Rutter Mills has helped injured riders for over 50 years, and we are here to help you get the justice you deserve for your injuries.