According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “Motorcyclist deaths occurred 27 times more frequently than fatalities in other vehicles, based on 2014 fatal crash data.” For motorcyclists to remain safe and injury-free, the NHTSA urges all drivers to be alert of motorcyclists and they’re reminding motorcyclists to drive defensively and keep themselves visible to other drivers on the road.
While the majority of motorcycle riders also drive regular passenger-sized cars, trucks and SUVs, that’s not the case with regular drivers. Most licensed drivers do not know how to drive a motorcycle, so they forget that they’re sharing the roads with them. Because most drivers are accustomed to standard-sized vehicles, not motorcycles, they may not think to look for motorcyclists, but they need to be aware of them.
Are You a Regular Driver?
If you are a licensed driver but you do not ride a motorcycle, it’s important that you be aware of your surroundings and always look for motorcyclists. Remember, motorcycle riders have the same rights as you do and they have the right to share the road with you. If a motorcycle rider is struck by your vehicle, the rider may not make it or if they do, they may suffer from paralysis or other life-long injuries.
As someone who drives a car, truck, SUV or van, take into account the challenges faced by motorcyclists. In the vast majority of motorcycle accidents involving a motor vehicle, usually the accident was caused by a driver who failed to “see” the motorcycle rider. So, motorcycle riders have to constantly be on the lookout for drivers who simply do not see them. This means the riders have to drive defensively, but sometimes that’s not enough.
Do You Ride a Motorcycle?
Do you ride? If so, you know how exhilarating it is to enjoy the freedom of the road, to smell the fresh air and weave in and out of traffic like it’s a breeze. You also know important it is to be alert for distracted drivers, watch out for cars opening their doors, and watch for cars coming out of driveways. In other words, you know all about driving defensively.
To protect yourself on the road, here’s our advice:
- Always wear a DOT-approved helmet.
- Take a state-sponsored motorcycle rider education course.
- Wear protective clothing when you ride.
- Obey the traffic laws and don’t ride too fast for conditions.
- Before you ride, always make sure your bike is safe. Check the tire pressure, the tread, the fluid levels, the brakes, and the headlights and signals.
- Whenever you carry a passenger, make sure he or she wears a properly-secured DOT-approved helmet.
- Remind passengers to keep their legs and feet away from the bike’s muffler.
If you’ve been in a motorcycle crash, don’t hesitate to contact our firm to meet with a Columbia personal injury attorney for free. We care about your future and want to ensure that you are fairly compensated for your injuries – contact us today.