Motorcycle safety tips and accident prevention

 Posted on May 12, 2015 in Motorcycle Accidents

Recently, the California Highway Patrol released safety tips for motorcycle riders in response to rising fatality and injury rates in motorcycle accidents. In a joint effort with the Office of Traffic Safety, May has been deemed Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.

There are more than 830,000 registered motorcycles in California alone, and 1.4 million motorcyclists. Data released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that motorcycle fatalities increased from 9 percent to 14 percent of all motor vehicle fatality accidents from 2004 to 2013.

During 2013, 475 motorcyclists died in collisions, while another 13,143 were seriously injured. This is of concern in California, as the state has the largest number of motorcycle riders and owners. One of the CHP's safety tips is that motorcyclists should always wear their safety gear and helmets. Motorcyclists should additionally follow the speed limits and never drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. They should also know their own driving limits and abilities and not fall to peer pressure to push themselves. Motorcyclists should also always drive defensively with the clear understanding that others may not be able to see them.

Motorcycle collisions can be especially catastrophic. Motorcyclists do not have the same degree of protection available to them as do occupants of other types of motor vehicles. This lesser protection can mean that a motorcyclist is more likely to suffer a serious personal injury or even to be killed if involved in an accident. A motorcyclist who is seriously injured in an accident caused by the negligence of another driver may want to discuss with an attorney the remedies that are available. One method of recourse may be the filing a personal injury civil lawsuit seeking the recovery of damages.