Preventing Motorcycle Accidents

The reality of the road won’t change-motorcycle accidents can and will happen. But whether an accident was due to automobile driver negligence, a mishap on a slick road, or operator error, there are tips you can follow to drastically limit the chance of an accident.

Play By the Rules

Follow all rules of the road.
Get licensed. It has been estimated that one-third of motorcycle operators killed in crashes are not licensed or are improperly licensed to operate a motorcycle. By obtaining a license, state licensing agencies ensure that motorcycle operators have the skills needed to safely operate a motorcycle.
Take a motorcycle safety course. Many motorcycle accidents happen because the operator is inexperienced.
Practice your motorcycle skills and don't let anyone ride with you until you are a skilled rider.
Resist the urge to speed. In 1999, 41 percent of all motorcyclists who died were speeding.
Never drink alcohol and get on a motorcycle.
Insist that your passenger sit behind you on the motorcycle.

Be Seen

Always make yourself visible to others. Stay out of the blind spots of vehicles.
When approaching the crest of a hill on a motorcycle, you should move away from the center line to avoid a collision in case an oncoming vehicle is in your lane.
Always ride with your headlight on.

Invest in Quality Gear

Invest in quality motorcycle boots, leather riding chaps, leather jackets, and leather gloves to protect your skin against cold, wind and injuries in case of a fall.
Buy a helmet and use it. Research shows that helmets save lives and minimize injuries.
Wear eye and face protection.

Be Alert

Watch out for road hazards, like large cracks, holes and bumps.
Watch out for other vehicles coming from driveways and side streets.
Never let a passenger get on your motorcycle until after you start it.
Make sure your passenger's feet can reach the footrests, and insist that your passenger's feet stay on the footrests at all times, even when you stop.
Insist that your passenger hold on to your waist during the entire ride.
Be sure to instruct your passenger to lean when you turn.
Instruct your passenger to keep his or her legs away from the muffler to avoid burns.
Instruct your passenger to limit movement and talking.

Did You Know?
Wearing a helmet lowers a motorcycle rider's risk of fatal injury by 29% and reduces the risk of traumatic brain injury by 67%.

Important Motorcycle Accident Information:

Explore more motorcycle accident resources such as state helmet and insurance laws.
Protect your legal rights. Find out about the steps to take after an accident.
Learn more about the highly-rated law firm of Edgar Snyder & Associates.
Read about the successful results we’ve secured for accident victims.
Get a list of Do’s and Don’ts if in an accident.

Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? Contact Us Now For a Free Evaluation of Your Legal Case.

Call us toll-free at 1-866-943-3427 or get online legal help, and we'll give you a free evaluation of your claim.