Motorcycle Safety
There is nothing quite like the thrill of hitting the open highway on a motorcycle, especially during the warm spring and summer months. Unfortunately, the thrill of motorcycling also comes with a considerable risk. Because a motorcycle offers very little protection during a collision, 80% of all motorcycle accidents result in injury or death.
The best way to prevent severe injuries from occurring, is to always wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle. In fact, helmets are estimated to be 37% more effective in preventing fatal injuries to motorcyclists. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that helmets actually saved the lives of 1,829 motorcyclists in 2008 alone!
In addition to wearing a helmet, safety experts urge motorcyclists to follow these simple motorcycle safety rules:
- Avoid tailgating
- Avoid riding in between the lanes of slow moving or stopped traffic, even if it is permissible in your area
- Always obey the traffic laws in your community
- Always use appropriate signals and check your rear view mirror before changing lanes or stopping.
- Never ride in the blind spot of a vehicle, especially a large commercial vehicle
- Watch the weather conditions and road surface carefully to anticipate any road hazards
- Always assume that other drivers do NOT see you and operate your motorcycle accordingly
- Use your headlights even in the daytime
- Wear appropriate eye protection to protect your eyes from flying debris
- Wear clothing that will provide some measure of skin protection from abrasions and lacerations during an accident
- Always obtain the proper motorcycle endorsement on your driver's license before operating a motorcycle
- NEVER consume alcohol or drugs before riding a motorcycle.
Unfortunately, at some point, even the most careful motorcyclists can be involved in a motorcycle accident. If you or someone you love was injured in a motorcycle accident in Missouri, you will need an experienced St. Louis motorcycle accident attorney on your side to help get you the compensation you deserve.
At the Page Law personal injury law firm, we are dedicated to helping families and victims who have been injured in a motorcycle accident. Contact us immediately for a free consultation. You will never pay any fees unless we recover money for you. Please call 314.488.2433 for an immediate response from John Page or contact John online at john@thepagefirm.com.
