These motorcycle safety tips could save your life or the life of someone else.
According to the National Safety Council, fatalities of motorcycle riders and passengers more than doubled between 1997 and 2017. Though motorcycles make up only 3% of all registered vehicles, they accounted for 14% of traffic deaths in 2017. While these statistics are alarming, there is something you can do about it whether you ride a motorcycle or drive a car.
Here are some tips that can help motorcycle riders and other motorists keep the roads safe.
Motorcycle Safety Tips for Riders
Wear a helmet – The most important thing a motorcycle rider can do to prevent injury is to wear a helmet at all times. While you are not required to wear a helmet while operating a motorcycle in Florida if you are over 21 and have an insurance policy that provides at least $10,000 for medical care in the event of a crash, you would be wise to wear one anyway. That’s because a helmet often means the difference between injury and death. How much of a difference? According to the CDC, helmets reduce the chance of fatality by 37%.
Make yourself visible – Many multi-vehicle motorcycle crashes occur because the motorcycle is not visible to other drivers. Safety experts suggest that when operating a motorcycle, you should use your headlights during the day and wear bright clothing or reflectors.
Take a safety course – All states require a motorcycle endorsement on your license before you can legally ride on the road, but not all require formal motorcycle training. Luckily, Florida is one of the states that require a basic safety course. You can find a course location near you here.
Motorcycle Safety Tips for Drivers
Start thinking about motorcycles – Most of the vehicles on the road are not motorcycles, so it should come as no surprise that many drivers aren’t thinking about how to safely share the road with motorcycles. But this needs to change. By simply making yourself aware and looking for motorcycles on the road, you could save someone’s life.
Learn to anticipate motorcyclists’ movements – One way to be a safe driver around motorcycles is to learn to anticipate their movements. For instance, motorcycles stop much more quickly than cars do, which brings us to the next point.
Give extra space to motorcycles – When driving behind a motorcycle, it is absolutely critical to give them plenty of space. Maintaining distance is not only an important part of preventing rear-end collisions but also when passing. When in doubt, give them two car lengths’ distance and only pass in the passing lane.
Need Help Handling Your Motorcycle Accident Case?
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, contact us as soon as possible. The attorneys at Pacin Levine Attorneys at Law will help guide you through the process of recovering the compensation you need to pay for your injuries and for damage to your property.
