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Riding a motorcycle can be one of the most fun experiences on two wheels, but unfortunately it is also one of the most dangerous methods of travel. Motorcycle fatalities are on the rise, and many times there is nothing the rider can do to avoid the crash; however, there are ways to be safer on a motorcycle and to hopefully avoid becoming another statistic.
Get your motorcycle license and take a safety course.
According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Commission (NHTSC) 30% of motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes in 2019 did not have a valid motorcycle license. While it seems obvious that our first tip for safe riding is to get licensed to ride, it clearly isn't when that many people are involved in fatal crashes that don't have a license. Go a step further and take a basic motorcycle safety course. Those courses can help you identify potential risks and hazards before it is too late to avoid them.
Wear an approved motorcycle helmet
According to a recent survey at least 4% of riders in Southern States still say they ride without a helmet. In Alabama, wearing a helmet is required by law. Don't just buy the cheapest helmet that complies with the law, get a quality helmet that passes DOT safety regulations and is crash test proven. A good fitting quality helmet could be the difference in life or death in the event of a crash.
Don't Drink and Drive
Look don't drink and drive applies whether you are on four wheels or two. In Alabama, 82% of motorcycle related fatalities in 2019 had alcohol as a contributing factor. Unlike passenger vehicles, you don't have a cage to protect you when you are riding a motorcycle. Not only is it not a good idea for you to be drinking, but it would be good to avoid areas and times when other people on the road are likely to be intoxicated. A DUI driver in a car or truck is going to do a lot more damage to a rider than you ever would to them.
Wear the right gear when you ride
Helmets, Goggles, leather jackets, long pants, boots and other similar safety gear has come a long way in recent years. Don't be a squid, if you go down in flip flops, a t-shirt, and a pair of basketball shorts you are going to end up with a bad case of road rash at a minimum and it could be significantly worse. There are companies out there making Kevlar riding gear in florescent colors to help you be seen, and hopefully avoid a collision, and to protect you if you do get hit.
If all that fails and you do suffer an injury while riding your motorcycle because of the negligence of someone else, you are going to need someone on your side with experience handling motorcycle accident litigation. Call me today for a free consultation (256) 297-1052.
