Motorcycle riding can be exhilarating – but it can also be very dangerous, and not because of anything you do wrong. Very often it is the actions of other motorists that cause motorcycle accidents, and roadway design or faulty parts can also be a factor. However, there are some steps that you can take to make sure that you protect yourself as much as possible on the road.

The main reason that motorcyclists are killed in crashes is because a motorcycle provides very little protection in an accident. Unlike cars, there are no restraint systems, airbags, or reinforced structures to absorb the bulk of the impact. Having two wheels also makes motorcycles much less stable than four wheeled passenger vehicles, and maneuvers that won’t cause a car to crash will cause a motorcycle to crash.

The small size of motorcycles when compared to trucks and other vehicles on the road also means that motorcycle riders are uniquely vulnerable. Injuries are often more serious, requiring extensive medical care and longer hospitalization. If you’re unlucky enough to be involved in an accident, this can translate to a loss of productivity and a decrease in your future earnings. These are heavy prices to pay for an accident that could have been avoided. The best way to steer clear of all these problems is to avoid getting injured in the first place. Granted, you can’t avoid every danger or make other drivers respect your rights to share the road, but you can take a few steps to improve your own safety.

Adjust your attitude about safety

The statistics are enough to make any motorcycle rider realize that safety is a serious issue – one that does not get enough attention in the riding community. Increased popularity in motorcycle riding has meant that injuries and deaths from motorcycle accidents are on the rise. The number of fatal motorcycle accidents has risen every year since 1997, and since 1999 the number of motorcycle accident injuries has increased every year to a current high of 88,000.

These statistics aren’t meant to scare anyone away from riding – rather, they are intended to encourage all riders to take motorcycle safety more seriously. There is a lot that a rider can do to improve their chances on the road.

Get Trained

Many states have motorcycle safety classes, which sometimes aren’t mandatory but are a good idea. Virginia offers a Rider Training Program, and there are a number of private companies that offer training as well. A good training program will teach you how to ride a motorcycle safely and will prepare you for what to expect out on the road – especially how to deal with traffic and other unexpected situations. Some insurance companies will even discount your insurance premium if you attend an in-depth training class.

Get Licensed

Riding without a license means you never passed a test intended to evaluate your motorcycle knowledge and skills – information that could potentially save your life. About a quarter of riders involved in fatal accidents were found to be riding without a valid license when they were killed. Riding without a valid license has also been linked to other risky behaviors – riders without a license were also more likely to have a previous speeding conviction, prior DWI, previous accidents, and a previous license suspension or revocation. Making sure you have the right training and the right licensing is one step towards ensuring that you understand the importance of safety and can practice what you know on the road.

Slow Down

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 36% of all fatal motorcycle crashes involved speeding – this is about twice as high as the rate for fatal automobile accidents. So this advice is simple – slow down and enjoy the ride!

Don’t Drink and Ride

Motorcycle riders are 31% more likely than drivers of passenger vehicles to die in an accident while intoxicated – and surprisingly, young riders aren’t the only ones who are dying from drinking and riding. Older riders have a greater chance of being involved in a fatal accident while intoxicated. The percentage of riders fatally injured in an accident with a BAC equal to or above .08 is highest in the 35 to 39 age group, followed by the 40 to 44 and then the 45 to 49 age groups. Not surprisingly, intoxicated drivers are more likely to be involved in a fatal accident at night – especially weekend nights. Drinking can also impair judgment and exacerbate other risk taking behaviors, as studies have found that intoxicated riders are far more likely to speed and ride without a helmet than sober riders. If you’re going out for a night on the town or just having a few drinks – make sure you have a way to get home that does not involve getting on your bike.

Wear Protective Gear

There are more grim statistics that have been collected by NHTSA about motorcyclists who ride without helmets and other protective gear. Without a helmet, you’re three times more likely to suffer a brain injury in an accident. It’s estimated that 37% of unhelmeted riders killed in accidents would have survived if they’d been wearing a helmet, and 67% would have avoided a brain injury. With statistics like these, it’s easy to understand why so many states have mandatory helmet laws. In our area, Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C. all have mandatory helmet laws for motorcycle operators and passengers.

If you really want to be safe, consider this list from the NHTSA – they recommend that all motorcycle operators and passengers use the following personal protective gear:

Motorcycle helmets that meet FMVSS No. 218

Proper clothing (preferably retroreflective), including gloves, boots, long pants, and a durable long-sleeved jacket

Eye and face protection

Hopefully these tips will provide you with some basic ideas for what you can do to stay safe on the roads while riding your motorcycle. In a future article, we’ll explore what can be done by federal and state authorities and other motorists to make your ride as safe and enjoyable as possible.

The attorneys at Dulaney, Lauer, and Thomas, LLP are concerned about your safety and want you to enjoy riding your motorcycle for many years to come. If the worst happens and you or somebody you love is involved in a serious motorcycle accident, please contact us immediately. We are a Virginia based practice and can help you recover from the devastating effects of a motorcycle crash and help you get the compensation you deserve.

DULANEY, LAUER & THOMAS, LLP

Warrenton Office
98 Alexandria Pike, Suite 11
Warrenton, VA 20186
Toll Free: 888.907.2631
Local: 540.349.2631

Culpeper Office
209 N. West Street
Culpeper, VA 22701
Toll Free: 800.741.1012
Local: 540.825.6046

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Dulaney, Lauer & Thomas, LLP
98 Alexandria Pike
Suite 11
Warrenton, VA 20186

Phone: 888-907-2631

DULANEY, LAUER &
THOMAS, LLP

Warrenton Office
98 Alexandria Pike
Suite 11
Warrenton, VA 20186
Toll Free: 888.907.2631
Local: 540.349.2631
Get Directions

Culpeper Office
209 N. West Street
Culpeper, VA 22701
Toll Free: 800.741.1012
Local: 540.825.6046
Get Directions