While all motorists should practice safe and defensive driving, motorcyclists heed this creed more than any other group on the road today. Motorcycle accidents are an unfortunate reality and many groups advocate for safer motorcycle safety regulations across the nation. Luckily, California requires new cyclists seeking a license for the first time under age 21 to complete a mandatory motorcycle safety course. However, older motorists may not opt to complete the course, leaving valuable life-saving information on the curb.
Since May is National Motorcycle Safety Awareness month, what better time to showcase some of the most important safety tips for California’s riders. First, all Californians of any age should attend the driver safety course. It consists of 17 lessons, all designed to teach novice cyclists the most important lessons from shifting and stopping to negotiating turns and stopping quickly. The course concludes with a skills test which measures cyclists abilities in real-life scenarios including navigating obstacles and stopping quickly.
Always maintain a strict maintenance schedule for a motorcycle as one defective or damaged part could result in tragedy. Motorcycles should be tuned and inspected at least once per year by a licensed and experienced motorcycle mechanic. With strict bike maintenance also comes strict rider maintenance. Always be sure your vision is top-notch before mounting a motorcycle and investing in a high-quality helmet could make all the difference in the unfortunate event of an accident.
Motorcyclists must also always practice defensive driving. This entails anticipating the next move of others on the roadway and assuming cars cannot or do not see the bike in their peripheral vision. Riders should ensure that they are engaged in the roadway situation at all times and not distracted by anything else happening at that moment.
Here at Ledger Law, we understand that motorcycle statistics are a grim reminder of how lack of adherence to motorcycle safety can lead to tragic consequences. For instance, wearing a helmet is 67% effective in preventing serious brain injuries versus riders choosing not to wear a helmet. 40% of all California motorcycle fatalities in 2004-2008 were the result of excessive unsafe speeds. Luckily, motorcycle fatalities have steadily declined since 2005 from 3,882 to 3,113. Interestingly, California sees the majority of motorcycle injuries in the summer months of June and July- which makes May the perfect month to brush up on safety tips.
Ledger Law & Associates is dedicated to assisting motorcyclists recover from injuries occurring as a result of collision and accidents. If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a motorcycle accident do not hesitate to contact us today.
