The Culpeper motorcycle crash lawyers of Dulaney, Lauer & Thomas have seen enough Virginia bike crashes to keep issuing motorcycle riding safety advice repeatedly. They, and all Virginia motorcyclists, love motorcycling and understand that bikers enjoy the gorgeous Virginia scenery far more on their bike than confined in a “cage.”
Sharing their passion is the most natural thing in the world, and this leads us to today’s piece of advice: Do not ride with a passenger unless you are prepared and trained to do so safely. This involves some very important remarks and steps concerning the biker, the passenger, and the motorcycle:
- Motorcyclist
Your passenger represents a considerable additional weight, which affects the handling of your bike. You will have to operate the throttle, clutch, and brakes more smoothly than when you are alone. You therefore need more time to slow down and stop and should always ride at a lower speed than usual. You need to check if your passenger understands how to keep the right position, use the footrests, place both hands, make signals, avoid touching hot motorcycle parts, etc.
- Passenger
Do not ride with a passenger unless he or she wears full protective gear. If you ride with a child, make sure he or she is mature enough to understand the responsibility, the child’s parents are informed, and it is legal to do so. The passenger should hold firmly to the operator’s waist, anticipate when the motorcycle accelerates or stops, and lean with the operator and bike in curves.
- Motorcycle
Your motorcycle should be designed with an extra seat and foot pegs or floorboards in order to carry a passenger. The extra weight requires you to adjust the tire pressure and, in some cases, the suspension. Check your owner’s manual for maximum weight and instructions.
A Virginia motorcycle crash can be devastating, and a bike accident with a passenger can be even worse. Be prepared and trained before you ask you friend - or any person - to climb on your bike with you.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash, please contact our Virginia motorcycle accident attorneys today for a free discussion of your case.
