Motorcycles are a lifestyle and hobby for many people in Missouri, Illinois and throughout the Midwest. Whether you are riding a motorcycle as a daily commuter or going for long rides on the weekend, motorcycles bring a sense of freedom and adventure. No matter if you have a Harley Davidson, sport bike, dirt bike or even a scooter, motorcycles are enjoyable to many, but riding does not come without its risks.
As personal injury attorneys in Missouri and Illinois, we want all our riders and drivers to be prepared with the necessary motorcycle safety tips to have a safe experience on the roads.
Motorcycle Crash Facts All Drivers Should Know
Motorcycle riders are statistically more likely to be involved in fatal traffic crashes. According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, 5,932 motorcyclists died in 2021, which accounted for 14% of all traffic fatalities. In Missouri, there were 145 fatal motorcycle crashes and 1,740 crashes that resulted in personal injuries in 2022. Most fatal motorcycle crashes occurred in St. Louis County, Jackson County, St. Charles County, and Greene County. While motorcycle crashes can occur at any time, the majority happened between June and September.
5 Motorcycle Safety Tips for All Seasons
Safe driving practices are important whether you are on a motorcycle, in a car or behind the wheel of a tractor-trailer. Below provides you with 5 helpful motorcycle safety tips for the next time you are riding a motorcycle on the highways, country roads or through your neighborhood.
- Get Proper Training – In Missouri, you must have a Class M motorcycle license or permit, or a driver license with the M endorsement to operate a motorcycle on a public road. To get your license, you must pass a written knowledge test and an on-motorcycle skill test. It is a good idea to enroll in a motorcycle rider education course.
- Do a Safety Check – Before riding a motorcycle, it is important to ensure your motorcycle is in proper working condition. Check your tire pressure, tread depth, brakes, headlights and turn signals to avoid any break-downs or issues while you are on the road.
- Wear a Helmet and Protective Gear – The best way to protect your brain in the event of a crash is to wear a motorcycle helmet. Make sure your helmet meets the appropriate standards by looking for the DOT symbol on the outside back of the helmet. You should also protect your arms and legs in either leather or heavy denim, wear gloves on your hands and boots on your feet.
- Be Aware of Your Surroundings – It is always important to drive defensively, but even more so when you are riding a motorcycle as it is often more difficult to see a motorcyclist. Make sure to follow the speed limit, obey traffic signals and leave plenty of room between vehicles to maneuver. Also, always check your blind spots before changing lanes.
- Don’t Ride Impaired – Riding a motorcycle requires skill and balance. Do not consume alcohol, drugs or prescription medicines that can impact your coordination, reaction time or ability to control your motorcycle.
Stay Safe as You Ride
As experienced personal injury attorneys, we have seen countless motorcycle and car accidents that have injured others due to a lack of knowledge of motorcycle safety tips. With proper training, attentiveness and responsibility on the road, motorcycle riders and other drivers will be able to share the roads safely all year long.
If you have been impacted by a motorcycle accident that was of no fault of your own, we encourage you to reach out to us for a free consultation. Our attorneys are ready and willing to help you obtain the justice you deserve after your accident.