Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

Helpful Tips to Prevent Motorcycle Accidents

by Tittle & Perlmuter

For roughly 414,000 Ohio residents, riding a motorcycle is an activity that brings joy, freedom, and a thrill all in one package. But as liberating as riding a motorcycle feels, it can also be incredibly dangerous. In 2021 alone, there were 4,005 accidents involving motorcycles in Ohio, 223 of which were fatal. In honor of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, here are some important tips that motorcyclists and four-wheeled drivers can use to ensure safety while driving on the road.

SAFETY TIPS FOR MOTORCYCLISTS:

Every biker understands that choosing to ride a motorcycle comes with inherent risks. There are no airbags, seat belts, windshields, or walls to block them in the event of a crash. That’s why performing the following safety measures before you ride is essential to help yourself stay safe.

Wear the right gear. Many motorcyclists love to ride their bikes because of the freedom it provides — the wind in their hair and their T-shirt ballooning in the wind on a warm summer day. However, if you’re in an accident, that head of hair or stylish T-shirt won’t do anything to protect your body. That’s why it’s important to wear the proper gear, like a full- faced helmet, boots that cover your ankles, an abrasion-resistant jacket, long pants or jeans, and gloves.

Check the weather and know your limits. Sure, you may be comfortable riding in some light rain or snow, but these weather conditions change quickly. Maybe the rain is light when you enter the grocery store or make it to your buddy’s house, but it might be a torrential downpour or heavy snow when you leave. So before you go, check the weather for your ride there and back. If it looks like the weather will be worse on your ride home, don’t try and risk it by “leaving early.” Take the car and arrive home safely.

SAFETY TIPS FOR OTHER VEHICLES:

One of the most common responses of four-wheeled drivers involved in motorcycle accidents is, “I didn’t even see them!” Motorcycles are small, so they can easily fit into blind spots. So, the biggest thing you can do to help keep motorcyclists safe is to check your blind spots by looking over your shoulder, not just using your mirror. Next, be sure always to use turn signals and slow down before left turns to give motorcycle riders an ample amount of warning time.

(Ed. Note: Tittle & Perlmuter focuses on catastrophic personal injury, medical malpractice, nursing home neglect, and wage & hour litigation throughout the state of Ohio. The firm has offices in Cleveland, Chardon, Elyria, and Sandusky. Their mission is to make their community a safer place, one case at a time. To learn more about the firm, visit their website www.tittlelawfirm.com, 216-285-9991).