Tips for Preventing Motorcycle Accidents and Injuries

Scott Smith

Contributor

0 CommentsPrint ArticleSubscribe

• If you ride a motorcycle, always wear a helmet. Helmets are your best defense against serious and fatal brain injuries.
• In additions to your helmet, wear eye and fact protection. Many helmets have built-in visors or other face guards. Wear long pants, gloves, boots and a durable long-sleeved jacket.
• Get licensed. All states require a motorcycle license.

• Never drink alcohol before operating a motorcycle.
• Follow all rues of the road. Don't speed - 40% of motorcyclists who died in crashes were speeding.
• Watch for hazards on the road, such as large cracks, holes and bumps. Keep an eye out for vehicles coming from driveways and side streets.
• Make sure your headlight is on every time you ride. (This is a law in most states.)
• Don't let anyone ride with you until you are skilled at riding in all kinds of conditions.
• If you're a new driver, take a motorcycle riders' course. To locate a course near you, call 1-800-446-9227.
• Insist that passengers sit behind you on the motorcycle.
• Make sure passengers' feet can reach the footrests. Insist they keep their feet on the footrests at all times, even when you stop.
• Don't let passengers get on the motorcycle until after you start it.
• Tell your passengers to lean with you when you turn.
• Insist that all passengers hold on to your waist all the time.
• Instruct passengers to keep their legs away from the muffler to avoid burns.
• Ask that all passengers limit their movement and talking.

In all motor vehicle accident cases it is essential that measures be taken promptly to preserve evidence, investigate the accident in question and to enable physicians or other expert witnesses to thoroughly evaluate any injuries.

The above is not legal advice. That can only come from a qualified attorney who is familiar with all the facts and circumstances of a particular, specific case and the relevant law.

For more information on this subject, please refer to our section on Car and Motorcycle Accidents.