How Motorcyclists Can Avoid Accidents on the Road

Anyone who has ridden a motorcycle can tell you – nothing beats the freedom and exhilaration of driving the open road without being surrounded by a confining metal cage. Unfortunately, it is the fact that there is no confining metal cage that makes motorcycle riders uniquely vulnerable on America’s roads and highways. Not only that, but the rest of the world just seems oblivious to motorcycle riders sometimes. Other drivers don’t pay enough attention to their blind spots, roadway designers don’t always account for the unique dynamics and handling of motorcycles, and faulty bike parts are all reasons that riders suffer serious or fatal traffic accidents through no fault of their own.

Because motorcycles lack the padding and protection of a standard passenger vehicle, riders have to be more careful about their actions on the road. In addition, the reduction in stability that comes from downsizing to two wheels instead of four adds to this danger. However, there are ways that riders can improve their odds and ensure that they don’t become just another motorcycle accident statistic.

Steps to Improve Motorcycle Safety

Below are five steps that motorcycle riders can take to improve their odds on the road:

1. Get a license. Would you believe that about 25% of riders killed in motorcycle accidents don’t have a valid license? Virginia and other states require licensing for motorcycles in attempt to keep you safe. It’s important that you know the rules and laws and pass state-mandated tests to secure a valid motorcycle license.
2. Get trained. There are a variety of motorcycle safety courses available to Virginia residents. In addition to numerous private companies that offer classes and training, the state makes available a Rider Training Program. Take advantage of these resources to learn more about your bike and about valuable skills that you can use on the road to not only improve the enjoyment of your ride but to stay safe at the same time. Talk to your insurance company and find out if they’ll give you a discount for taking a training course. Your insurer knows that the more tools you have to keep out of a motorcycle accident in the first place, the less of a liability you are to them.
3. Slow down. One of the best pieces of advice that motorcycle riders can take is to slow down. In fact, number of fatalities on motorcycles due to speeding is about twice that for passenger vehicles, so this is a serious issues for riders indeed.
4. Wear safety gear. A motorcycle helmet that meet FMVSS No. 218 is a great way to improve your odds if you are involved in a crash. Every year hundreds of riders are killed in motorcycle accidents – riders who probably would have survived if they’d been wearing a helmet. And it isn’t all about staying alive – most people don’t consider the impact a serious brain injury might have on their life, which is yet another reason to wear a quality helmet. In addition to helmets, consider safety clothing like gloves, boots, long pants, long-sleeved jackets, and eye and face protection.
5. DUIs aren’t just for car drivers. Motorcycle riders are 37% more likely to die in a crash than car drivers, so the well-worn piece of advice “don’t drink and ride” is doubly important if you’re on two wheels.

Motorcycle injuries can be very serious, and are often more debilitating than those sustained by car or truck drivers involved in similar crashes. You may require more extensive medical care and longer hospitalization, which could affect your job productivity and your future earnings. While you can’t prevent a wayward motorist from hitting you, you can improve your odds of surviving a crash by heeding the advice above.

If the worst happens to you and you or someone you love is injured in a motorcycle accident, there is no reason to suffer alone. Please contact The Serpe Firm today and let us help you move forward after your motorcycle accident.

Law Offices of Richard J. Serpe, P.C.
580 East Main Street, Suite 310
Norfolk, VA 23510
Phone: 757-233-0009
Fax: 757-233-0455