As the harsh winter of New York gives way to the warm and pleasant spring, people get ready to go out and about. Motorcyclists bring out their mean machines and are ready to rust off the winter dead from it. Hence, spring sees a surge in motorcyclists on the roads. In this context, the AAA recently issued a request for motorcyclists to be careful on the roads.Importantly, in case of an accident, they are vulnerable to severe and long-term injuries.If an accident has been caused due to someone’s negligence, it is important to work with auto accident attorney.
This warning also comes in the light of increasing fatalities and injuries among motorcyclists due to accidents. While only 2% registered vehicles in New York are motorcycles, they account for 14% of traffic-related fatalities. In fact, more than half the fatalities (56%) are among those aged below 35 years. Moreover, nearly all fatalities are male riders. Importantly, nearly half (43%) motorcycle riders involved in a fatality were not properly licensed to ride a motorcycle.
As a result, the AAA has shared some recommendations for motorcyclists to remain safe on the roads as well as to ride carefully:
- Put on a helmet: Helmets save lives. The AAA states that helmets significantly reduce the risk of a severe injury or death in case of a crash. Do not ride your motorcycle without a helmet even if you’re traveling a short distance.
- Be visible: It is important that the other drivers on the road are able to see you. This is especially true in Spring season as drivers are not used to seeing motorcyclists during winter, hence, there might be a sudden surge in the spring. Ride the motorcycle carefully and in a way that drivers can see you from a safe distance. Keep your headlight on, wear bright colors and use reflective tape, even in the daytime.
- Diligently follow traffic rules: Use turn signals and avoid changing lanes erratically. Let the other drivers on the road be aware of your actions on the road so that they can also navigate accordingly.
- Do not speed: Speeding has emerged as one of the biggest challenges with motorcyclists. It is imperative that you ride your motorcycle within the speed limit. It’ll save your life and keep others also safe on the road.
- Do not drive drunk or distracted: Drunk driving is a seriously reckless behavior, and distracted driving can be just as dangerous. A distracted driver is any driver whose attention is not on the road, whether it’s instead focused on cell phone use, eating, applying makeup, or anything else.
- Insurance: It is important that motorcyclists have their insurance in place as they go back on the road. Various insurance companies reduce their coverage and premium charges during winters. This is called the layup period. Ensure that your layup period is over before you step out with your motorcycle in the spring.
While the above responsibility lies with the motorcyclists, even other drivers should now keep an eye out for motorcyclists. Remember that they’re back on the road.
Despite all precautions, a motorcyclist may end up in an accident due to someone’s negligence. In such a scenario, it is important to work with auto accident attorney as insurance companies are quick to pin the blame on motorcycle riders without offering the due compensation. Moreover, riders involved in motorcycle accidents can end up with serious and long-term injuries. To know more about motorcycle accident injury claims. Click here.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a motorcycle accident duetosomeone’s negligence and you need the best injury attorney, contact Siler & Ingber today. Call us on 1-877-529-4343 or complete our online form on this page to schedule a case evaluation with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys. Our consultation is free and we do not charge a fee unless we win your case.