Motorcycle Safety: As a Rider, What Can I Do to Prevent Injuries?

Aug.3, 2012

Data shows that New York has had a higher than average number of motorcycle accidents this year. Worse yet, reports from the Governor’s Highway Safety Association say that there has been no progress made in reducing the number of motorcycle fatalities that occur each year.

So what can you do to stay safe and prevent a motorcycle accident from occurring? Most experts would stress the importance of motorcycle safety training. Researchers have found that less than 25 percent of motorcyclists claim to have formal training. In fact, unlicensed motorcyclists account for roughly one-third of all motorcycle fatalities, making them as much as three times as likely to be injured or killed in a crash.

Upon receiving an endorsement on your license to drive a motorcycle, it is important to have the right safety gear as well. Getting a DOT approved helmet and wearing it every time you ride can reduce your chances of injury or death in the event of an accident by as much as 50 percent. Also, be sure to wear eye protection as well, as 70 percent of bikers involved in accidents were not wearing this vital piece of protective equipment at the time of their crash.

The Motorcycle Accident Lawyers with William Mattar Law Offices would also suggest always utilizing all lights on the motorcycle as well as wearing reflective of light-colored clothing at night in order to make yourself more visible to other motorists around you.