Motorcycle safety is particularly important as winter turns to spring and riding season fires up. The National Highway Traffic Safety Association reports motorcyclists are 29 times more likely to die in a collision than those in passenger vehicles. Let’s commit to elevating awareness about motorcycle safety and to reducing the chances of serious injury or fatal motorcycle collisions.
Proper safety gear helps reduce injuries or might even help avoid a motorcycle crash entirely. Wearing a helmet is the most important factor in protecting riders from serious head injuries. Other gear, like a sturdy jacket, pants, boots and gloves help protect riders in case of a crash or if they have to put their bike down. Many of these items specifically made for motorcycle riders have reflective surfaces that help make riders more visible to others on the roads.
Knowledge about riding motorcycles and pre-ride safety checks help riders travel safely. Washington State requires a motorcycle endorsement, which includes written and skills tests. Ensuring your motorcycle is ready for the ride includes checking of your tire pressure and tread depth along with brakes, headlights and signals. It’s also important to get comfortable with your bike by riding it in a controlled area like an open parking.
Drivers of passenger vehicles can help keep motorcyclists safe, too, by keeping an eye out for motorcycles and giving them plenty of space. Motorcycles are small and they are harder to see in blind spots. Motorcycles can slow themselves by downshifting, which means their brakes lights might not come on. Maintaining extra following distance behind motorcycles reduces the risk of rear-ending them.
Even highly experienced riders following all best practices can find themselves in a motorcycle collision through no fault of their own. If you or someone you care about has been seriously injured in a motorcycle collision, then call Cooney Law Offices today. We can help!