May 2nd, 2022
May is Motorcycle Safety Month
Posted in: Personal Injury
![](https://steinsperling.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/AdobeStock_157327388_resize.jpg)
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.
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.