Staying Safe On a Motorcycle

Motorcycles have been common for decades, but we still have “miles” to go in terms of safety. Whether you’re riding a motorcycle or you’re a driver sharing the road with motorcycles, brushing up on basic etiquette could save you a headache (or worse) later on.

Safety Guidelines For Motorcycle Riders

Let’s review basic safety guidelines for riders of motorcycles:

• Always wear a helmet: Apart from this being a law in many states, it’s also the smart thing to do. Helmets prevent death in motorcycle accidents about 40% of the time. While you’re at it, wear other protective gear, as well. There are gloves, boots, pants, and jackets made specifically to keep motorcycle riders safe.

• Stay slow and safe: It’s tempting to drive faster and riskier than usual when on a motorcycle, but traffic laws still apply. For your safety and the safety of others, follow the rules of the road. This obviously includes abstaining from drinking and driving, which plays a factor in about 30% of motorcycle-related deaths.

• Take a class: Motorcycle safety classes are widespread and frequent; there’s no excuse not to take one. If you’ve been riding a motorcycle for a long time, it can’t hurt to brush up on your skills every once in awhile.

Safety Guidelines For Drivers

Now, let’s review basic safety guidelines for other automobile drivers who will encounter motorcycles on the road:

• Keep your eyes open: Almost half of motorcycle accidents are caused because a car-driver simply doesn’t see an oncoming motorcycle and makes a left turn in front of it. While it may be more difficult to see motorcycles, they are prevalent and require extra attention to be paid.

• Obey the law: Always use your turn signals and never throw trash out of your car. These blunders may seem minor, but they could cause motorcyclists their lives.

• Give cyclists space: Drive a safe distance from motorcycles, whether they are in front of you, behind you, or in the next lane over.

If you find yourself in a motorcycle-related accident, whether as the cyclist or the driver of another automobile, you may be able to mount a successful case to recoup damages. Call the Milwaukee personal injury lawyers at Domnitz & Domnitz, S.C. today for a free consultation.