Keeping motorcyclists safe on the roads is a responsibility that all drivers share. May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, which is the perfect time for everyone to remember that they should watch for motorcycles as they drive.
In 2020, there were more than 82,000 motorcyclists injured in crashes. There’s also a great risk of death in these injuries. There were 5,579 fatalities in motorcycle crashes that same year. There are many ways that people can help keep motorcyclists safe.
Safety features on vehicles
Many safety features on vehicles can help to keep motorcyclists safe. These include advanced driver assistance systems and automatic emergency braking. Drivers shouldn’t count on those systems as fail-safe. Instead, they should remember that paying attention, driving sober, and using proper safety practices are keys to avoiding crashes.
Appropriate riding gear
Having appropriate gear when you’re riding a motorcycle can help to keep you safe, but you’re still largely at the mercy of other drivers. A helmet, for example, reduces the risk of serious head injuries by 69%. Motorcyclists should also wear proper footwear and skid-resistant clothing to reduce the risk of injuries to those areas.
Any motorcyclist who was involved in a crash will likely need medical care because these wrecks often lead to serious injuries. Many motorcycle crashes are the result of a negligent motorist violating the right of way of the motorcyclists. When any form of negligence is the cause of the wreck, the motorcyclist may choose to seek compensation for the damages they’re dealing with due to their injuries. There are strict time limits for filing these, so get started quickly.