MOTORCYCLE SAFETY TIPS FOR KENTUCKY RIDERS
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 4 million motorcycles are registered in the United States. This is not surprising because this mode of transportation is known to be fun and cost-effective. However, riding a motorcycle comes with its disadvantages, motorcycles can also be dangerous. In fact, motorcycle fatalities account for 5% of the total number of highway fatalities each year.
CAR ACCIDENTS VS. MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS
Unlike a car, a motorcycle offers no protection for the driver in the event of a crash. It has no roof, door beams or airbags. Motorcyclists are directly exposed to danger. On the other hand, what a motorcycle lacks in terms of safety, it compensates for its agility. A motorcycle is easier to maneuver and is also able to stop and swerve faster than a car or truck. At the end of the day, it is every motorcyclist’s responsibility, as it is for every motorist, to ride safely.
MOTORCYCLE SAFETY TIPS
Make it a point to join a rider-training course for more tips on how to ride a motorcycle safely and skillfully. Take note of accident-prone areas, such as intersections, so you can be prepared when passing by these roads.
Beware of blind spots. Make sure that other motorists see you. It helps if you wear bright-colored gear and do not swerve in and out of lanes.
Be cautious of road hazard like slippery surfaces or debris on the road. These may not affect automobiles as much, but it may be dangerous for motorcyclists. Rain reduces visibility as well as your tire’s grip on the road. Be gentle when using your brakes and when you’re steering.
Choose a quality helmet. Helmets help save lives and protect families, so see to it that you buy a quality helmet. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Protection, helmets reduce the risk of death by 37% and the risk of head injury by 69%. In Kentucky alone, 32 lives were saved by helmets out of the 100,000 registered motorcycles in Kentucky in 2010.
Wear proper clothing. Protect yourself from road hazards and make sure to wear the right gear when riding. For instance, avoid jeans and sandals. Instead, wear a reinforced jacket, gloves, full pants, and eye protection.
As a Personal Injury Attorney in Kentucky, I am not against motorcycle riding. Everyone wants a fun and budget-friendly commute. However, please be very careful when riding your motorcycle, and remember these basic tips we’ve shared above.