When the weather starts getting more beautiful, you’ll notice an increase in motorcycles on the road. It is more important now than ever to be aware of motorcycles. The cause of many accidents is the failure of a vehicle driver to notice a motorcycle on the road. Drivers and motorcyclists need to learn to share the road to prevent accidents, injuries, and fatalities.

Regardless of vehicle, all motorists should obey the law, but to help reduce the chance of accidents, here are a couple of tips for both passenger vehicle and motorcycle drivers.

Passenger Vehicles:

  • Watch and listen for motorcycles; They can be easy to miss due to their small size and can be easily hidden in blind spots.
  • Make sure your mirrors are properly adjusted to best cover potential blind spots.
  • If you drive a larger passenger vehicle, look down before changing lanes.

Motorcycle drivers:

  • Don’t lane split. Sticking to one lane will decrease your chances of getting into an accident.
  • Be cautious in areas with dangerous intersections and blind driveways.
  • Ensure your riding matches your abilities. For example, don’t try to take a turn fast if you’re normally not capable.

 

Motorcycle Safety

Motorcycle injuries and deaths can be prevented. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), wearing a helmet saved more than 1,800 lives in 2016 across the country and another 800 could have been likely saved had they been wearing a helmet. Helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 69% and the risk of death by 37%.

Before you start riding, use the following as a checklist.

  • Get trained and licensed
  • Wear protective gear
  • Ride unimpaired
  • Ride within your limits
  • Be a lifelong learner

You should be taking every step to help avoid getting in an accident.

Motorcycle Accidents

When an accident occurs between a motorcycle and another type of vehicle, the motorcyclist often faces the most severe injuries. The most common injuries include neck and back injuries, head trauma, and broken bones. Recovery after a motorcycle accident can be lengthy and complicated, and the costs associated with medical treatment may be astronomical.

At The Pottenger Law Firm, we understand that your entire life can be altered in a single accident. We are compassionate to your needs, and offer our 25+ years of experience to get the compensation you deserve. Call us at 816-531-6006, or send us a message to arrange a free consultation.