New Jersey motorcycle accident lawyer Rand Spear offers safety tips for riders now that spring is on its way.
With most of the country still firmly in winter’s grip, it may be hard to think about spring. However, warmer weather will be here before you know it, which means an increase in motorcycle traffic, says New Jersey motorcycle accident lawyer Rand Spear.
If you’re a regular rider or even just a weekend warrior, it’s important to make safety your top priority any time you climb on your bike. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IHHS),1 motorcycle deaths have climbed by 36 percent since 1997 after years of steady decline.
Motorists should also take care to drive safely around motorcycles, which can often be more difficult to see on the road than other vehicles. Paying attention to blind spots, obeying the speed limit, and using caution when changing lanes are just a few things motorists can do to avoid being involved in a serious or fatal motorcycle crash.
Safety Tips for Motorcyclists
Motorcyclists have a higher risk of being involved in a fatal traffic accident compared to other motorists. The IHHS states that the death rate for motorcyclists is four times higher than that for individuals in passenger vehicles.
To stay safer on the road, keep the following tips in mind:
- Update your skills. It’s never too late to brush up on your riding skills. Although riding a motorcycle may be a bit like riding a bicycle in that muscle memory allows you to jump right back on, the stakes are much higher on a motorcycle. Investing a little bit of time and money in a refresher course can mean the difference between staying safe and being hurt in a collision.
- Wear a helmet. In New Jersey, wearing a motorcycle helmet isn’t just a fashion statement or safety precaution — it’s the law. Unlike other states, New Jersey has a universal helmet law2 that requires all riders, regardless of age, to wear a helmet any time they are operating or riding on a motorcycle.
- Wear protective clothing. In addition to protecting your head, you should also choose clothing designed to protect your body in the event of a crash. Unlike individuals in passenger vehicles, a motorcyclist has no protection from the road in an accident. Thick pants made of a durable material like denim or leather can guard against road rash and other serious injuries.
- Keep an eye on the weather. Rain, snow, ice, and even strong wind can make for treacherous driving conditions for motorcyclists. When bad weather strikes, slow your speed and be especially careful on highways, where oil can accumulate and quickly become slippery in rainfall and snow.
- Watch out for road debris. Cars and trucks can usually take on a stray soda can or rock in the road with little more than the occasional cracked windshield or chipped paint. For a motorcyclist, however, even a small patch of loose gravel in the road can lead to disaster.
Philadelphia motorcycle accident lawyer Rand Spear explains, “Motorcycles appeal to people from all walks of life. If you enjoy taking in scenery from the back of a bike, make sure you do so safely.”
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, don’t wait to discuss your case with an attorney. Contact us on the web or call the Philadelphia and New Jersey motorcycle accident lawyers at Spear Greenfield today at 888-373-4LAW.
Footnotes:
1 IHHS http://www.iihs.org/iihs/news/statusreport/article/37/1/1
2 Universal helmet law http://www.all-about-car-accidents.com/legal-advice/personal-injury/motorcycle-accident/new-jersey-motorcycle-helmet-law
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