Motorcycle Safety: Share the Road & Protect Yourself

Riding a motorcycle or ATV has become a popular from of transportation and recreation. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most risky things a person can do. Because riders have little protecting them from other vehicles or outside forces, motorcycle accidents overwhelmingly result in injuries. In many cases, these injuries are severe and life-altering. In the worst cases, they can be fatal.

According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle accidents have the highest injury-per-accident percentage of any other traffic accident. This fact makes it clear that riders need to take every precaution to protect themselves on the roadway.

Here are a few helpful tips all riders should keep in mind:

• Wear a Helmet - The NHTSA reports that states with helmet laws have fewer serious injuries resulting from motorcycle accidents than states that don't require helmets.
• Wear Protective Equipment - Minor mishaps and accidents can result in serious harm when riders have no protection. The NHTSA recommends that in addition to helmets, riders should wear eye and face protection, gloves, boots, long pants, and durable long-sleeved jackets. The same goes for passengers.
• Make Yourself Seen - The NHSTA motorcycle safety guidelines suggest that riders make themselves visible to other motorists. This can be done by using headlights during the daytime and night, wearing brightly colored clothes or reflective materials, and proper lane positioning.
• Ride Sober - Riding a bike while impaired slows reaction time, something that is crucial to riders who share the road with drivers who often overlook them.
• Watch Out for Blind Spots - Any motorcycle rider will tell you that they are easily lost in drivers' blind spots. When passing vehicles or riding anywhere around another automobile, watch out for drivers who may not see you.
• Check Your Speed ­- It's easy to go too fast on a motorcycle, but even slow-speed motorcycle accidents can cause serious harm. Watch your speed.
• Spread the Word - Most motorcycle accidents are caused by the negligence of other drivers. Do your part to spread the word and remind motorists to share the road with people on motorcycles.

These helpful tips are important for all motorcycle riders, but even the most skilled, vigilant, and experienced riders who make safety a priority can still fall victim to inattentive drivers, dangerous roadway conditions, and defective products. At Mani Ellis & Layne, PLLC, our West Virginia motorcycle accident lawyers fight for riders who have suffered harm through no fault of their own. We're here to help injured riders and families recover the compensation they deserve.

To learn more about your rights after a motorcycle accident, call 888-720-1001 for a FREE case evaluation.