National Motorcycle Awareness Month: Safety Tips

For many that enjoy riding motorcycles, safety is of the utmost importance. Most motorcyclists acknowledge that being on the open road on the back of a motorcycle is much more dangerous than driving in a car or truck. Since May is National Motorcycle Awareness Month, it’s essential to recognize the safety tips that may save you from sustaining a preventable personal injury and potentially devastating consequences due to a motorcycle accident. 

At Eric Ratinoff Law Corp., we understand that motorcyclists bear an unfair burden of protecting themselves from the negligence of other motorists on the road. We are passionate about fighting for justice in instances where another individual’s negligence played a part in your substantial injuries. Our motorcycle accident lawyers represent motorcyclists who have endured a severe accident and have suffered damages as a result. 

7 Tips for Staying Safe on Your Motorcycle During National Motorcycle Awareness Month

It is imperative to pay attention to safety every time you hit the road on your motorcycle. During National Motorcycle Awareness Month especially, it may be a good idea to brush up on safety tips that may aid you in avoiding an accident in the future. 

In 2019, over 5,000 motorcyclists experienced a motorcycle accident fatality and were 29 times more likely than a passenger vehicle occupant to die as a result of an accident due to the lack of protection on the road. 

With this in mind, follow these safety tips as you share the road with others: 

1. Never Skip Wearing a Helmet 

Wearing a full-face helmet that meets the Department of Safety Standards guidelines may save your life in an accident. According to the NHTSA, helmets saved the lives of 1,872 motorcyclists in 2017, and 749 additional lives could have been saved if they had been wearing a helmet. 

2. Always Wear All of Your Riding Gear 

Never skipping out on wearing your riding gear can significantly reduce your risk of injury and need to be admitted to a hospital as a result of your accident. This includes always prioritizing wearing your motorcycle safety gear. 

3. Regularly Inspect Your Motorcycle Before a Trip 

Regularly inspecting your motorcycle before a trip can reduce the likelihood of an accident due to faulty parts or maintenance issues. The following are areas that require inspection: 

  • Tires 
  • Controls 
  • Lights and electrical components 
  • Oils and other fluids that require maintenance
  • Chassis 
  • Sidestand 

Additionally, it may be necessary to become familiar with the motorcycle you are planning on riding before hitting the road. The height, weight, and body structure may differ from motorcycle to motorcycle. 

4. Ride Defensively When Sharing the Road 

When sharing the road with other motor vehicles, it may be beneficial to ride defensively in case they are opting to act negligently while behind the wheel. They also may not know how to properly share the road with a motorcycle rider. Plan a step ahead, and don’t give them the benefit of the doubt when merging or changing lanes or executing left turns. 

5. Adhere to All Laws and Regulations When Riding 

Laws are meant to be followed by each driver on the road for the safety and security of everyone traveling where they need to go. Drinking and driving while riding a motorcycle killed over 5,000 people in 2019. Speeding, texting, and sharing a lane without motorcyclists are all unlawful, negligent behaviors that can lead to severe consequences. 

6. Check the Weather Before a Trip 

Inclement weather can lead to unsafe riding conditions for motorcyclists. Checking the weather before a trip can save you stress and time. If you are caught in severe weather, you may be able to navigate safely if you reduce your speed, go lighter on the brakes, or take a break. In weather conditions that reduce visibility, motorcyclists can be vulnerable to accidents with other motor vehicles. 

7. Exercise Extra Vigilance When Making Left Turns 

One of the more prominent causes of an accident is colliding with a straight traveling vehicle when you are attempting to make a left turn at a signal or stop sign. When you are opting to turn left at a multiple-lane intersection, exercise extra vigilance like double checking blind spots of mirrors. 

Frequent Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Sacramento 

Some accidents can be catastrophic depending on the type of vehicles involved, the speed, and the lack of awareness prior to the accident. The following are frequent causes of Sacramento motorcycle accidents: 

  • Distracted driving 
  • Drunk driving 
  • Tailgating 
  • Speeding 
  • Rainy weather 
  • Manufacturing errors or faulty parts 

At Eric Ratinoff Law Corp., our Sacramento motorcycle accident attorneys have over 25 years of experience successfully litigating motorcycle accident claims. We have recovered millions for clients who have suffered injury and death due to negligence. We will analyze your potential injury claim from multiple perspectives and conduct investigations into the cause of the accident and potential evidence that proves liability. We fight to recover the compensation you deserve for your substantial losses. 

Speak With an Experienced Sacramento Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp 

If you suffered from significant injuries due to someone else’s careless actions, contact a seasoned Sacramento motorcycle accident lawyer at Eric Ratinoff Law Corp. With over 25 years of experience and extensive resources to tell your story, we provide the representation you can rely on. 

At Eric Ratinoff Law Corp., we are a team of experienced trial lawyers equipped with the resources necessary to take your case all the way to trial, if necessary. We work with skilled experts and employ compelling visuals to convey the damages of your claim. If you are looking for outstanding, reliable legal representation for your motorcycle accident claim, call (318) 377-1555 or fill out our contact form for a complimentary consultation today.