Motorcycle Safety Awareness

As summer nears and the weather clears up, motorcyclists will take to the road in numbers, cruising the streets and highways of Colorado. Unfortunately, according to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, motorcycle deaths have steadily risen 10% per year over the last 20 years, while injuries have also had a steady increase. Although motorcycles account for less than 5% of registered vehicles in the U.S., riders are over 26 times more likely to die in a traffic crash than passenger car occupants, which is a horrifying statistic.

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and it’s in this month that we remind ourselves, as automobile drivers, that we have to safely share the road with motorcyclists and be extra alert to help keep them safe. In honor of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, here are tips for both drivers and motorcyclists to follow to reduce the chance of death and injury out on the open road.

Drivers

1. Look twice, save a life: With so many vehicles on the road, it can be easy to forget that we share the road with motorcycles. They are much smaller than your average car and can easily wind up in your blind spot, which is why you should always look twice before changing lanes or crossing an intersection.
2. Keep your distance: A bad judgment call from you can mean the difference between an accident and staying safe. Keep your distance between your vehicle and a motorcycle in front of you, that way if they brake abruptly, you can improve your chances of avoiding a collision.
3. Pay attention to the road: The minor road conditions that don’t affect you can pose a danger to a motorcyclist. If there are potholes, wet surfaces, or railroad crossing, make sure to take note if there is a motorcycle around you so you can avoid running them over if they crash.

Riders

1. Wear a helmet. You don’t have as much protection as a car passenger. Motorcycle helmets improve survival chances by nearly 30%.
2. Make yourself seen. Wear bright, reflective clothing and always have your lights on.
3. Use your turn signals. You can’t expect a driver to know where you’re going, which is why you should always use your indicators.
4. Avoid blind spots. Learn where the blind spots are and avoid them. You never know when a car driver might change lanes without looking back.
5. Don’t take drugs or drink alcohol. Impairment affects your driving skills and not only puts you in danger, but also everyone else on the road.

Motorcycle safety is a two-way road. Both drivers and riders must always be open to learning more about how to stay safe. If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, please contact our Longmont personal injury attorneys at Jorgensen, Brownell & Pepin, P.C. today.

Call (720) 491-3117 or contact us online for more information.