May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. For our friends and family members who support their need for speed with adrenaline-pumping motorcycle riding, we urge you to read and share the following information to ensure each and every motorcycle ride is both exhilarating and safe.
For car and truck drivers
Share the roads! Roads are designed for multiple types of vehicles, motorcycles included! We urge you to pay special attention to motorcycles as these vehicles are challenged with safety issues unlike cars and trucks. Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than cars. Be aware!
For motorcycle riders
You already are aware that motorcycles are not only less visible to other drivers, but are much more dangerous in a crash because they provide no protection for the body. Riding a motorcycle requires balance, good coordination, and the ability to follow road signs, speed limits, and respond quickly to changing road conditions. Please make sure to be well rested and ready for the challenges of the roadway.
Did you know? Important facts to keep your motorcycle riding practice safe.
- Motorcycle riders are 6 times more likely to be injured in a crash than occupants of a car. [1]
- National crash data show that motorcycle riders are 27 times more likely to suffer fatalities than car drivers and passengers.[2]
- In order to legally drive a motorcycle, you need to pass a written and practical skills test to obtain a state motorcycle license to supplement your driver’s license. In addition, most states require motorcycle riders to take a motorcycle rider training course, but if your state doesn’t offer one, contact the Motorcycle Safety Foundation at https://www.msf-usa.org/ or (800) 446-9227 for the nearest class. Contact your state licensing agency for license information.
Tips from the NHTSA
We urge you to review these important tips recommended for all motorcycle riders by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
- Practice riding any new motorcycle in a controlled environment without traffic before taking it onto roads with traffic.
- Take a motorcycle rider training course and review how to handle the motorcycle in wet weather as well as in sand, mud, and with road debris.
- Before loading any cargo on your motorcycle, check the owner’s manual to determine where to place the load and if you’ll need to make any adjustments to the vehicle.
- Check that your motorcycle is safe to ride each time. Check the brakes, lights, signal, tire pressure and tread, and cargo.
- Communicate with your passenger that he or she should sit directly behind you, lean forward, and keep feet on footrests at all times. The passenger should hold the driver’s waist or hips and keep legs and feet away from the muffler.
- Always ensure that you and your passenger wear a protective motorcycle helmet that meets the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218. Be sure to adjust the helmet so it fits properly and use goggles if the helmet has no shield.
- When riding, be sure to wear bright colored long sleeves and long pants to improve your visibility and protect you in the case of a crash.
- Obey all speed limits, traffic signs, and lane indications.
- Ride with the traffic flow and always drive defensively.
- Be alert and drive sober. Never ride a motorcycle after consuming alcohol or any prescription medication that might impair your ability to ride safely.
Since 1990, Goldman & Daszkal, P.A. has provided reputable legal representation to people throughout Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade Counties. The firm has helped thousands of individuals recover compensation from motor vehicle and boating accidents, slip and fall accidents, product defect and liability cases, pharmacy errors, and negligent security cases to cover medical expenses, pay bills, take care of their families, and return to work. Goldman & Daszkal, P.A. can help you get the relief you need to start living your life again after a serious injury. For a free and confidential consultation, contact Goldman & Daszkal, P.A., at (954) 428-9333.
[1] National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
[2] National Highway Traffic Safety Administration