New York Motorcycle Laws and Safety Tips
Motorcyclists who don't wear helmets are three times more likely to suffer traumatic brain injuries in crashes than motorcyclists wearing helmets, according to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Each state governs its own helmet use laws. New York, along with 19 other states, requires all motorcyclists to wear helmets while riding bikes—this includes passengers.
Unfortunately, you can still suffer injuries in a motorcycle accident whether or not you are wearing a helmet. If you were hurt in an accident that wasn’t your fault, contact the motorcycle accident lawyers at William Mattar Law Offices. Fill out a free initial consultation form or call (844) 444 - 4444.
Take These Safety Precautions
In addition to wearing a helmet every time you get on your bike, there are other safety precautions you should take, such as:
- Wear protective riding gear, including goggles or glasses, gloves, closed toe shoes, long pants, and a long sleeve shirt—preferably a riding jacket.
- Make sure your passengers wear a helmet and protective gear and are comfortable riding on the bike.
- Make sure your lights are on when riding at night.
- Don’t consume alcohol before or while riding.
- Always drive with both hands on the handlebars—never try to hold something else and ride.
- Don’t ride too closely to other vehicles or pass another vehicle in the same lane.
- Avoid riding in a driver’s blind spot—motorcyclists are even easier to overlook than cars.
- Drive in a single line when riding with others.
Practicing these tips may help you avoid an accident the next time you ride.