Motorcycle Accident Prevention: 10 Tips

Motorcycle accidents occur much too frequently in and around Columbus, Ohio. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a total of 5,579 motorcyclists were killed in collisions in 2020, and thousands more suffered nonfatal injuries. While motorcyclists cannot predict the ways in which a particular car or truck driver will behave on the road, they can take steps to avoid accidents and injuries. The following are ten tips for motorcycle accident prevention in Ohio.

1. Wear a Helmet 

You should always wear a DOT-approved helmet when you ride. Although Ohio law does not require riders over the age of 18 to wear a helmet, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that helmet use can significantly reduce the likelihood of a fatal injury in the event of a collision. The NHTSA also reports that only 65 percent of motorcyclists on the road at any given time are wearing DOT-approved helmets, suggesting that fatalities could be reduced with proper helmet use.

2. Avoid Consuming Alcohol 

The NHTSA reports that about 27 percent of motorcyclists who are killed in collisions are intoxicated at the time of the crash. To avoid an accident, you should avoid consuming alcohol before riding.

3. Wear Safety Gear 

Wearing safety gear in addition to a helmet can be critical for avoiding injuries in the event of a collision. According to State Farm, you should wear pants and a long-sleeved shirt that are made with a thicker protective material, as well as gloves, boots, and eye protection. You should also try to wear light-colored or brightly colored clothes that will allow you to be seen by other motorists.

4. Do Not Text and Ride 

Never text and ride. Distracted riding can be deadly.

5. Pay Particular Attention at Intersections and When Passing a Car 

Intersections can be especially dangerous for motorcyclists, as can passing other vehicles in their blind spots. When you are engaged in these actions, take particular caution.

6. Be Aware of Dooring Risks 

Motorcyclists can be injured in “dooring” accidents when they are riding alongside parked cars. Be aware of the risk of a dooring accident.

7. Slow Down 

Abide by the speed limit and slow down whenever conditions are more hazardous, including poor road conditions or inclement weather.

8. Take a Motorcycle Safety Course 

Take a motorcycle safety course even if you think you have some experience. You will learn important safety information.

9. Avoid Riding in Inclement Weather When Possible 

If you can, avoid riding your motorcycle in inclement weather where a collision is more likely.

10. Obey the Rules of the Road 

Generally speaking, obeying the rules of the road can keep you safer. From abiding by posted speed limits to avoiding lane splitting, you are more likely to avoid being injured in a crash if you ride safely and do not take unnecessary risks.

Seek Advice from a Columbus Motorcycle Accident Lawyer 

If you recently sustained injuries in a motorcycle crash and believe another party may be liable, you should contact one of the experienced Columbus motorcycle accident lawyers at the law firm of Brian G. Miller CO., L.P.A. to learn more about filing a claim for compensation. You may be eligible to seek compensation through an insurance claim or by filing a lawsuit against the responsible party.

Sources:

nhtsa.gov/road-safety/motorcycles

cdc.gov/policy/hst/hi5/motorcycleinjury/index.html

statefarm.com/simple-insights/auto-and-vehicles/tips-to-prevent-motorcycle-accidents