Motorcycle enthusiasts wait all winter to return to the roads on their motorcycles. Unfortunately, when summer hits Syracuse with warm temperatures and sunny days, motorcyclists hit the roads in droves, increasing their risk of being involved in an accident. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration over 5000 U.S. motorcyclists were killed in 2016 due to vehicle-motorcycle crashes, a five percent rise compared to 2015 statistics. Seventy-two percent of motorcycles struck by vehicles were struck in the front while just seven percent were struck from behind. The primary reason for vehicle-motorcycle crashes was cars turning left as motorcycles were driving straight, overtaking other cars or passing cars.

What Can Syracuse Motorcyclists Do to Reduce Their Risk of Accidents and Serious Injury?

While motorcyclists can’t completely eliminate the risk of being hit by another driver, there are some things they can do to minimize the chance of suffering accident injuries requiring hospitalization. Wearing the proper gear, maintaining mechanics of their motorcycles and operating motorcycles responsibly are some ways to help avoid an accident.

Motorcycle Helmets

New York state mandates wearing helmets and protective eye wear when operating a motorcycle or riding as a passenger on a motorcycle. In addition, people driving mopeds (Class A and B or mopeds capable of exceeding 20 miles per hour) are also required to wear eye protection and helmets. All helmets [legally] sold in the U.S. must meet the US DOT and Consumer Product Safety Commission Standards.

Face/Eye Protection

Goggles and helmet face coverings should be scratch-free and provide clear views of the motorcyclist’s periphery. Novelty goggles or nonstandard face protection may not not meet standards required by NYS laws since they will not provide adequate protection.

Wearing reflective vests or jackets and light-colored motorcycle helmets can help motorcyclists increase visibility to other motorists. Using hand signals in addition to light signals and staying out of other drivers’ blind spots are further ways to avoid being a Syracuse motorcycle accident statistic this summer.

William Mattar represents motorcyclists who have been hit by negligent drivers and suffered serious injuries. If you are recovering from accident injuries, call our firm to schedule a consultation appointment with one of our Syracuse motorcycle accident lawyers. We may be able to obtain sufficient compensation for your damages.