In 2019, motorcyclists were 29x more likely than other vehicle occupants to die in an accident & 4x more likely to be injured with serious head injury being the most common among fatalities. About 75% of all motorcycle accidents involve collisions with other vehicles, most often passenger vehicles. In those accidents over half are caused by the other vehicle failing to yield to the motorcyclists right-of-way. More often than not those accidents are caused because the driver did not see the motorcyclists or noticed them too late. In single motorcycle accidents over half are caused by rider error, such as excessive speed or over-braking. Most motorcycle accidents happen on short trips as opposed to long road trips & they also tend to happen towards the beginning of the trip.
Here are some Motorcycle Safety Tips:
1. Always wear a helmet. Not just any helmet, make sure it's DOT certified.
2. Follow the traffic laws, especially the speed limit.
3. Be aware, don't drink & drive, don't drive tired, & don't be distracted.
4. Wear the right riding gear. Wearing short sleeves & shorts can result in road rash in an accident. Leather clothing & boots can help protect you from serious injuries or road rash.
5. Ride defensively. Avoid riding in blind spots of others, have your lights on, watch for turning or slowing vehicles.
6. Plan ahead. Check the weather before leaving on a ride, make sure storms are not in the forecast or you may be stranded in the rain.
7. Make sure your motorcycle has regular maintenance. When pulling your bike out for the first time since winter you should do a through check over to make sure it's in good working order.
Regardless of if you're a motorcyclists or a driver in another vehicle be aware of your surroundings & keep everyone on the road safe!