How To Reduce Your Risk Of A Serious Motorcycle Accident
“I’ve become used to the idea that even seriously injured motorcycle riders are very concerned about their motorcycles. Many go through months of rehab to go back to their love of riding. Some have to have custom adaptations so that they can work the controls” – Mike Padway, Motorcycle Attorney
About Motorcycle Safety and Avoiding Accidents
Michael Padway & Associates wants to educate the biking community on the importance of safety and the responsibility that comes with owning a motorcycle. Taking the necessary precautions and riding with awareness can save lives.
- Helmets: View the latest statistics revealing why wearing a helmet reduces your risk of serious injury and even death during a motorcycle accident.
- The Statistics Don’t Lie: View the statistics proving that the motorcycle helmet laws really do save lives.
- Safety & Advocacy Organizations: Learn more about the safety advocacy groups who are dedicated to motorcycle safety awareness.
Passenger Safety
When passengers ride with you, they must wear a helmet and protective gear. The tips that follow, gathered from several states’ motorcycle operator’s manuals, may increase the safety of your passengers:
- Insist that passengers sit behind you on the motorcycle.
- Make sure passengers’ feet can reach the footrests. Insist that 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 passengers hold on to your waist all the time.
- Instruct passengers to keep their legs away from the muffler to avoid burns.
- Ask that passengers limit their movement and talking.
Injury Prevention Tips
If you ride a motorcycle, always wear a helmet. Helmets are your best defense against serious and fatal brain injuries.
The following tips, offered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, may also reduce your chance of injury:
- In addition to your helmet, wear eye and face 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 the rules of the road. Don’t speed! Forty percent 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 rider, take a motorcycle riders’ course. To locate a course near you, call 1-800-446-9227.
