Motorcycle Safety Tips for Car Drivers and Riders
Hitting the road on two wheels is exhilarating but can also be dangerous. How can you protect yourself while exploring North Carolina on your motorcycle? The legal team at Ward Black Law has tips for motorcycle safety as well as tips for other drivers to keep North Carolina roadways safe for everyone.
Tips for Drivers Sharing the Road with Motorcycles
The top safety tip for drivers sharing the road with motorcycles is to stay vigilant and avoid distractions. Motorcycles are smaller and more challenging to see than other vehicles. Passenger car and truck drivers must remain aware of their surroundings and be mindful of others, especially motorcycle riders in their vicinity.
Tips for other drivers sharing the road with motorcyclists include:
- Frequently check your blind spots.
- Be mindful and double-check both directions at intersections.
- Avoid distracted driving.
- Never tailgate motorcyclists.
- Increase the distance between you and the next vehicle, especially in inclement weather.
- Always use your turn signals.
- Obey all traffic laws, signs, and signals.
Safety Tips for Motorcycle Riders
Unfortunately, careless motorists will not always look out for motorcyclists. However, there are some proactive ways motorcycle riders can stay safe on North Carolina roadways. Protect yourself and consider the following:
- Ride responsibly and obey all traffic laws.
- Stay visible, use your headlights, wear reflective gear, and avoid riding in the blind spots of other vehicles.
- Regularly maintain your motorcycle and ensure it is in good working condition.
- Avoid lane-splitting.
- Avoid distractions.
- Ride defensively, expect the unexpected, and leave an escape route.
- Take a motorcycle rider education course.
- Use turn signals or hand signals.
- Keep a safe distance away from erratic drivers.
Essential Motorcycle Safety Gear
A DOT-approved motorcycle helmet is the most essential motorcycle safety gear a motorcyclist can own. Not only do motorcycle helmets save lives, but wearing a helmet is the law. North Carolina motorcycle riders and passengers must wear a safety helmet that complies with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218.
According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle riders are overrepresented in fatal traffic accidents. In one recent year, 6,218 motorcycle riders lost their lives on U.S. roadways. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that helmet use reduces the risk of head injury by at least 69 percent, and they are 37 percent effective at helping to prevent deaths.
Motorcycle helmets should be snug but not tight and include a chin strap. All safety-compliant helmets should have a DOT decal on the back that indicates they meet all federal safety guidelines. Avoid novelty helmets or helmets sold with separate DOT stickers.
Other crucial protective gear for bikers and their passengers includes eye protection, goggles, or a face shield attached to the helmet. Riders should also wear protective clothing like heavy boots and gloves. Avoid wearing a T-shirt and shorts and opt instead for a leather jacket and chaps or heavy jeans. New synthetic materials are also equally as good as leather at protecting motorcyclists from road rash.
When to Contact a North Carolina Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Has a careless motorist injured you while you were riding your motorcycle? If so, contact an experienced North Carolina motorcycle crash attorney for help. At Ward Black Law, we are passionate about protecting motorcycle riders and helping them seek the compensation they deserve after an injury someone else has caused.
Contact our office today and arrange a free case review with one of our skilled North Carolina motorcycle accident lawyers.
