May 2nd, 2022
May is Motorcycle Safety Month
Posted in: Personal Injury
In an effort to raise awareness of the dangers and vulnerabilities that motorcycle riders face every day, The National Safety Council designates May as Motorcycle Safety Month. According to the NHTSA a motorcycle rider or passenger is 29 times more likely to be killed in a collision than occupants of other types of motor vehicles. The latest federal data shows that motorcycle fatalities represented approximately 14% of all traffic deaths despite motorcycles accounting for only 3% of registered vehicles on the road.
Safety tips
If you are driving a motorcycle, take note of the following safety tips:
- Avoid riding in poor weather conditions
- Ride so you are seen by using your headlights and avoiding drivers’ blind spots
- Use your turn signal with every lane change
- Wearing properly fitting motorcycle-specific protective gear can prevent serious injury in the event of a crash
- Keep your motorcycle well maintained
If you are driving a vehicle near a motorcycle
- Allow for greater distance when following behind a motorcycle
- Look twice for motorcycles. Take extra care at intersections and when making a left turn
- Never share a lane. Always give a motorcycle the full lane width
- Use care when driving near a group of motorcyclists
- Be sure to signal when changing lanes or merging into traffic
Be Prepared
- Keep emergency contact information in a place someone can find it in the event of a crash
- Tape your insurance cards and important information to one of your shoulder pads or keep it in a safe place such in an interior jacket pocket
- Make sure your motorcycle is properly insured with the highest amount of coverage available – don’t just get a minimal limits policy. When you need, you will want the best coverage possible.
Following an accident
- If you are able, move away from the flow of traffic
- Stay calm and call the police and/or 911
- Get information from all drivers involved in the accident and any witnesses including insurance information (names of insured, carriers and policy numbers)
- Note the exact date, time and location of the accident
- Take pictures of all vehicles involved, including your own, as well as their location immediately after the accident
- Call an attorney with Stein Sperling – we can help you through the claims process, even with your own insurance company.
