As warmer weather sets in over the next few months, there will be a resurgence of motorcyclists looking to enjoy the freeing feeling that comes with taking to the open road. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), nearly 90,000 bikers were injured and nearly another 5,000 were killed in motorcycle crashes in 2016. Motorcyclists could stand to take some additional steps to remain safe out on the road.
One particularly statistic that stood out in NSC’s Injury Facts 2017 report is how in 2016, nearly 1,900 of the motorcyclists who lost their lives weren’t wearing helmets when they crashed. This is alarming, especially since their research shows that helmets can help prevent an operator’s or a passenger’s fatal injuries by up to 41 percent.
Helmets that have the strongest potential of protecting you in a crash are new, full-coverage ones that feature a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) sticker. This lets you know that it meets established federal safety standards. You should never wear a used one or the same one that you’ve worn in a crash before.
Other ways that motorcyclists can reduce their risk of becoming involved in a serious motorcycle crash is to be more cautious when selecting the motorbike that fits them. Riders should research how crash-prone certain ones are and look to see what safety features they offer.
Newly licensed motorcyclists should learn the rules of the road and take motorcycle safety classes. Anyone who switches to riding a new type of bike or takes a break from riding one for a while should also participate in such workshops to brush up on their skills.
Waco motorcyclists who use their headlights at all times of the day and who wear clothing that is both protective and reflective can greatly improve their visibility to motorists.
Those who use defensive driving techniques, drive at the posted speed limit and lay off of alcohol before taking to the road have the strongest potential of not becoming one of the 80 percent of Americans who are either injured or killed in motorcycle crashes each year.
Even when Texas motorcyclists follow these rules, they’re still subject to getting hurt by motorists who drive recklessly. Individuals who have lost a loved one to a wipeout crash or similar incident will want to work with an attorney who is intent on protecting your rights by filing a wrongful death lawsuit.
Michael Zimmerman
Michael was born in Houston, Texas. His education at Baylor and Texas State Universities earned him a Bachelor of Science degree in 1987. His major was in Biology with a Minor in Chemistry. He finished his legal education at Texas Southern University in 1990, earning a Juris Doctorate from Thurgood Marshall School of Law. He was admitted to the State Bar of Texas in 1990.
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