With the weather warming, motorcyclists are dusting off their bikes, pulling out their gear, and making plans for the open road. They have waited months to once again experience the rush, the feel of the wind whipping against their bodies, and the vibrations of the bike. However, the sense of freedom that they experience comes at a hefty price: the risk of a motorcycle accident that could very well cost them their lives. To remind us all of that risk—riders and drivers alike—cities and organizations across the country have planned events over Motorcycle Safety Month, which takes place in May.
Ride Safe During Motorcycle Safety Month and Beyond
In 2012, nearly 5, 000 motorcyclists were killed in traffic accidents. An alarming percentage of those were due to intoxication while riding. Others might have avoided fatality, had they been wearing a DOT approved safety helmet or applicable safety gear. In addition, another portion may have failed to ensure they followed traffic and safety regulations, such as not sharing a lane with a car or failing to make themselves as visible to other motorists as possible. If you are a rider, do not make the same mistakes and remember that, first and foremost, you have to assume personal responsibility for your own safety.
Motorcycle Safety is Everyone's Responsibility
Motorcyclists must take responsibility and accountability for their own safety each and every time they get on a bike, but they also share the road with other motorists. These other drivers, who often do not see motorcyclists, can be just as much (if not more) of a hazard as poor road conditions or unsafe riding practices. And that means drivers also need to know how to safely share the road with motorcyclists.
The campaign, “Look Twice Save a Life, ” is one of the most prominent safety movements for motorcyclists, and for good reason. Often, drivers do not see motorcycles the first time they look at an intersection. This is sometimes a trick of the mind, an issue with glare, or it is simply because they may not stand out against traffic very well. Whatever the cause, looking a second time—and looking specifically for motorcycles—often does reveal the rider we might have missed. In short, the practice of looking a second time saves lives.
Injured in a Motorcycle Crash? You May Be Due Compensation
In a crash, motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to injury and fatality, which can lead to costly medical bills, end of life expenses and more. As such, it is critical that victims and their families know where to turn when an accident happens. At [[title]] we work with trained investigators that can help determine what exactly happened during an accident, thereby increasing your chances of receiving fair compensation for your loss. Get the quality representation you deserve. Call 920-739-7366 and schedule your free initial consultation with a Green Bay motorcycle accident attorney or Appleton motorcycle accident attorney today.
Sources:
http://newsok.com/article/5494498
http://www.nhtsa.gov/Safety/Motorcycles