Regardless of who is at fault for any given motorcycle collision, approximately 80 percent of motorcycle crashes reported to authorities involve death or injuries according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Perhaps the most distressing part of this statistic, however, is the fact that most of these fatal or injurious accidents could have been avoided if either the motorcyclist or the vehicle driver involved in the crash had taken specific precautions.
Here are a few precautions that motorcyclists can take in order to prevent injuries in an accident:
- Use recommended and legally required safety gear: Motorcyclists who use riding pants, gloves and jackets have a better chance of escaping catastrophic injuries in the event of a collision. For that matter, a helmet and eye protection are essential to preventing serious head injuries.
- Wear bright colors and increase your visibility: Visibility is essential when trying to prevent a crash. When you wear bright colors and reflective gear, cars are better able to see you and more likely to avoid hitting you. Also, don’t be afraid to use your horn to make yourself more noticeable on the road when necessary.
- Wear a helmet with full face protection: Half-helmets without chin or face protection are virtually worthless for preventing injuries. Considering that the most vulnerable area in a crash is the chin and face, a helmet that only covers the top of the head doesn’t do the full job, and motorcyclists are twice as likely to have a traumatic brain injury.
- Never drink: A drunk motorcyclist is less capable of avoiding a collision. Even a small amount of alcohol can reduce your reaction time, so the best policy is to never get on your bike after even the smallest amount of alcohol.
If you or a loved one got hurt in a motorcycle crash, it’s important to investigate all the reasons for the accident from a legal perspective while considering fault and liability. In some cases, injured motorcyclists may have a viable case to pursue financial damages in court.
Source: State Farm, “Tips To Prevent Motorcycle Accidents,” accessed March 15, 2018