Riding a motorcycle is fun, but it can also be very dangerous. According to Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, motorcycle drivers are 30 times more likely to get killed in an auto accident than passengers in a car. This is because motorcyclists are exposed to the elements. This does not mean that we can’t still enjoy riding our motorcycles. In fact, here are some tips to help keep you safe:
- Beware of bumps and potholes. Sand, railways, little stones and bumps appear on roads. Watch out for them. Small potholes are no problem for a car but to a motorcyclist, they can cause serious injuries.
- Take it slow. We don’t need to drive fast to feel the thrill of riding a motorcycle. Riding on two wheels is safer when we take it easy.
- Ride defensively. If you’re a motorcyclist, you might raise an eyebrow to vehicle drivers who say they didn’t see the motorcycle, and they accidentally hit them. This sounds like a terrible excuse, but it happens. Make sure you’re always visible by wearing brightly-colored gears. Also, keep a safe stopping distance from cars in front of you to give you time to react on sudden situations.
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Motorcycle accident
Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents still happen. On Monday, May 27, 2014, a man was pronounced dead after his motorcycle hit a guardrail in the 3000 block of South Park Road in southern Jefferson County. Louisville Metro Police spokesman, Dwight Mitchell said that the preliminary investigation revealed a white male in his late 20’s was operating his motorcycle westbound on South Park Road and was speeding. The man was not wearing a helmet during the incident. There were also no signs of intoxication.
Reports like this will keep coming unless we make a conscious effort to protect ourselves when riding a motorcycle. Drivers of other vehicle also need to be mindful of where motorcycles are on the road. When both motorcyclists and vehicle drivers learn to share the road, the road will become a safer place to ride.
As a Kentucky Accident Attorney, I suggest that you invest in a quality helmet. It may cost you more, but it will provide you with optimum protection. Also, following the safety tips above will help keep you safe. We all want to be able to enjoy driving and riding, but it starts with us to make it happen. Please remember to watch out for other vehicles and motorcyclists on the road.