Operating a motorcycle in the Philadelphia or South Jersey area is fun and invigorating, but it’s also risky. Regrettably, it is unwise to expect other drivers in cars and trucks to maintain the same level of situational awareness and legal compliance on the roads as you do.
In a motorcycle crash, riders – and their passengers, if any – directly come in contact with another vehicle or the ground, or both, thereby often leading to catastrophic injuries.
By some estimates, moreover, approximately fifteen percent of motorcyclists die annually within the overall tally of fatal traffic accidents, even though only three percent of registered vehicles are motorcycles. With that in mind, here are some important and common-sense safety tips for motorcyclists to consider for their health and well-being.
With this real-world experience, each Philadelphia Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in our firm has also learned that, as a practical matter, and perhaps to restate the obvious, trying to prevent accidents in the first place is very advantageous.
Wear Appropriate Safety Gear
Proper riding gear is one of the top motorcycle safety tips. That starts with a U.S. Department of Transportation-approved full-face helmet, which can lessen the effects of head injuries such as concussions and a more severe Brain Injury from a Motorcycle Accident, as well as eye damage.
In short, helmets can be life savers, so always wear a helmet. It’s also advisable to wear good quality and thick or layered protective clothing, such as long pants, a long-sleeved jacket over a heavy shirt, gloves, and boots. Eye protection is also advisable. Bright-colored clothing can also be helpful.
Along the lines of being seen, wear reflective gear as well placing reflective elements on your motorcycle to increase visibility while riding.
Maintain Your Motorcycle Regularly
Make sure your bike is in good running condition by getting it serviced in manufacturer-recommended standard maintenance intervals.
On a day-to-day basis, in addition to performing regular maintenance as necessary, check tire pressure, brakes, turns signals, headlamps, and other safety equipment for proper operation before you go out on the road.
Follow Traffic Rules and Regulations
To protect themselves, motorcyclists must obey speed limits, traffic signals/signs, and follow other traffic rules and laws.
For one thing, slowing down to avoid the need for hard braking is advisable. Don’t tailgate, and avoid the temptation to weave in and out of lanes or between vehicles in the space between the lanes.
In general, assess street and highway conditions with legal compliance as the centerpiece.
Ride Defensively
In motorcycle accident prevention, defensive riding or driving is a priority and should be your guiding principle. That includes keeping your headlights on even during the day.
Keep an eye peeled for cars and trucks that are operating erratically. Look for blind spots and check behind you when to come to a stop at an intersection. Watch out for road hazards such as potholes or debris. Get off the road during bad weather conditions, and monitor weather conditions before you decide to take to the road.
Left-turn accidents at corners, intersections, or stop signs are said to be among the most common kinds of motorcycle accidents, i.e., when an oncoming motorcycle gets struck by a vehicle turning left. Exercise extreme caution in such circumstances.
Enhance Riding Skills
Once you’ve passed the required screening, including the skills test, to obtain your motorcycle learner’s permit or license in Pennsylvania, the learning shouldn’t end there.
From a street safety perspective, take training courses especially for practice in defensive riding.
And continuing education in riding techniques constitutes a very desirable refresher for the fundamentals.
Through the state Department of Transportation (PennDOT), residents can avail themselves of free courses for safe and responsible motorcycling provided by the Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program that consist of classroom and outside riding instruction.
As an added benefit, motorcycle permit holders who pass the Basic Rider Course, sometimes referred to as the Beginner Riding Clinic, become eligible to receive their motorcycle license.
More experienced riders can benefit from the curriculum in the Intermediate and Advanced Rider Courses, respectively.
Under New Jersey law as regulated by the Motor Vehicle Commission, completing the Basic Rider Course (consisting of five hours of classroom instruction and 10 hours of riding exercises) also eliminates the need for an applicant to undergo the testing for a driver’s license motorcycle endorsement.
A more advanced Basic Rider Course 2 is also available for those who wish to fine-tune their riding skills.
Note: State requirements and procedures are subject to change.
Apart from formal classes under government sponsorship, practicing and enhancing riding skills constitute the essence of safe motorcycling.
Techniques include balance, braking, turning, and stopping smoothly, negotiating curves, swerving to avoid road hazards or other obstacles, generally improving reaction time, and so on.
In addition to being mentored by a seasoned, level-headed, and trusted motorcyclist on an individual basis, some private sector organizations offer courses that cover core skills as well as more advanced principles.
Stay Sober and Alert
Drunk driving or drugged driving is unacceptable and irresponsible. As a factor in motorcycle crash prevention, never get on your bike unless you’re sober, wide awake, and have your wits about you.
Otherwise, you unfortunately might end up beinganother grim statistic in the compilation of motorcycle accidents. It’s bad enough that some drivers operate their vehicles while impaired which can cause devastating injuries and property damage. Don’t contribute to this pervasive problem.
Avoid Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is an enormous issue in our society, especially with motorists obsessed with, among other things, smartphone or electronic device functionality.
Given that scenario, always stay alert for any erratic behavior by other motorists on the roads which may be caused by their impairment, texting, or some reason.
Keep an eye out for inattentive pedestrians, too. To put it succinctly, for motorcycle injury prevention, never lose track of what’s going on around you. Stay alert and aware.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
Even after using your best efforts in motorcycle accident prevention, if you’ve been injured in a collision, and you are in need of a dedicated personal injury lawyer to handle your claim for financial compensation, contact us to schedule a free consultation.
Over its 30-year history, The Law Offices of Greg Prosmushkin, P.C., has been steadfast in fighting for the legal rights of motorcycle accident victims. While maintaining reciprocal communication throughout the duration of a claim, our assertive, well-connected attorneys work tirelessly to obtain justice for you and your loved ones.
With offices in Philadelphia and Trenton, our firm provides each of our personal injury clients with diligent and knowledgeable legal representation in keeping with their needs and goals.