Riding a motorcycle can be a thrilling experience, one that is liberating and can give you truly the experience of freedom on the road. No other method of transportation can allow you to not be bothered by the sounds of your phone or music, but just to feel the wind crashing on your face, allowing you to think uninterrupted, nothing keeping you from the fresh air and the warmth of the sun.
However, as stated, there is in fact nothing keeping you from the road while you are on a motorcycle; if there is an accident it is just you and the road. For this very reason, practicing motorcycle safety is of the utmost importance; because e if you don’t your life could be at risk. While it is impossible to prevent an accident caused by a negligent driver, playing your role on the road will help lessen the chances of a dangerous accident.
According to reports, riders on a motorcycle are 27 times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident than an average passenger vehicle, and six times more likely to incur an injury from the crash. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) claims that between the years of 2001 and 2008 there were 34,000 fatalities caused by motorcycle accidents and then another 1,222,000 riders who were injured at some level on their bike.
They share that the majority of these drivers were between the ages of 20-24, likely because younger drivers tend to be the most daring and less experienced on their bikes. 22 percent of all these non-fatal motorcycle injuries were to the persons head and the leading injury was to the leg or foot at 30 percent. Because of the dangers that lie ahead, it is absolutely essential that a motorcyclist practice safety before and while they are on their bike.
First off, before you even get on your motorcycle, it is essential that you understand how crucial it is you wear your helmet. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, wearing a helmet is life changing when riding anywhere on a motorcycle. This one piece of equipment may just be what makes the difference between life and death in an accident as it protects your brain from the impact of the crash. When purchasing or wearing a helmet you want to make sure that it meets the US Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218.
If you are uncertain whether or not your helmet meets this standard, simply look for a DOT symbol inside the helmet. While these standards are strict, for even higher safety quality assurance look for Snell or ANSIÂ labels which signify higher standards in motorcycle standards and safety testing. Now that you are certain your brain is well protected if there is to ever be an accident, here are a few more key factors to keep under consideration before riding and while you are on the road.
First, and hopefully the most obvious, is that if you plan on riding a motorcycle you need to be properly licensed by your state DMV. This process is absolutely necessary because it means that you have been tested before you get on the road by yourself. When taking any type of license test you will likely be required to pass both a written and hands on test, it order to see that you know how to actually operate the vehicle as well as knowing the laws of the road when it comes to a motorcycle.
It is important to remember that riding a motorcycle is nothing likes that of a regular car; this is way practice and training is so important. You want to make sure that before you get on your bike you are well equipped with the knowledge of how to operate your bike, this means how to deal with heavy or little traffic, different road and weather conditions, as well as how to adjust the suspension and tires if there is heavy cargo or an extra passenger riding with you.
Next you will want to make sure that the logistics of your bike are in working order. This would include checking for any leaks, fluid levels, checking the brakes, etc. When carrying a passenger on the bike with you, make sure you walk them through on how to flow with you as the driver such as leaning with you when you turn, where to hold you on the waist, etc.
Lastly, when riding a motorcycle, the better clothing you wear the more protect you are from the road in the event of an accident. This would include riding with a leather or jean jacket, always covering your legs, boots that protect your ankles, and leather gloves to help your grip.
Believe it or not, the more your body is protected from the sun and the wind on a motorcycle ride, the less dehydrated you will get on your travels. Protective gear is encouraged for that very reason, among many others.
While there is much that riders can do to protect themselves in the event of an accident, many times these accidents are caused by careless drivers who are sharing the road with those riders on their motorcycles.
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident and were injured as a result of the negligence of another person, contact the Whitley Law Firm today for the skilled Raleigh Personal injury lawyer you deserve!
