Safety Tips For Motorcycle Awareness Month
Brian O Sutter
Motorcycle Crash
It is National Motorcycle Awareness Month and in honor of this important month, we have put together a list of great safety tips for both riders and drivers. This tips can help protect motorcycle riders and drivers from unnecessary accidents and promote awareness of the motorcyclists sharing our roads.History Of Motorcycle Awareness Month
Motorcycle Awareness Month was an initiative first created by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in response to an increasing number of motorcycle riders. The initiative was to promote education on safe riding practices and study the factors that lead to motorcycle accidents. National Motorcycle Awareness Month was officially recognized in Florida in 2012 by Governor Rick Scott and worked closely with the Motorcycle Safety Coalition to launch a number of successful public awareness initiatives including “Look Twice Save a Life,” “Drink+Ride=Lose,” and “Be Smart, Be Seen.” These programs have helped lead to 20% reduction in motorcycle accidents in the state of Florida.
Some Important Motorcycle Safety Statistics
Since Florida has ideal weather and road conditions for motorcycle riding, there is a higher percentage of motorcycle riders than in other states. So being aware of motorcycle safety statistics is especially important in the state of Florida.
- There are an estimated 8.2 million motorcycles on the road
- 558,123 motorcycles are registered in Florida
- Last year, 4295 motorcyclists died from motorcycle accidents nationwide
- 166 people inside passenger vehicles were killed in a motorcycle accident
- 449 of these deaths happened in Florida
- 92,000 motorcyclists were injured nationwide
- June has the highest number of motorcycle deaths of any month
- Helmets prevent 37% of deaths and 67% of traumatic brain injuries from accidents
- Each motorcycle death costs society around $1.48 M
Safety Tips For Drivers
Even if you are not a motorcycle rider, it is important that you understand how to be a safe driver around motorcyclists. If you practice these basic safety tips, you can avoid an unnecessary accident:
- Be aware of the presence of motorcycles on the road
- Be predictable and always communicate your intent to motorcyclists
- Signal every turn and look twice before making any turn
- Maintain a four second following distance between you and a motorcycle
- Give motorcycles the full lane
- Check and double check your blindspots as motorcycles are harder to see than cars
- Be aware of the impact road conditions have on motorcycle riders
- Anticipate motorcycle driver’s reactions and intentions
- Pay extra attention at night as motorcyclists have a harder time judging the road
- Motorcycle turning signals do not automatically turn off, always make sure they are planning to turn before proceeding
- Always yield the right of way to motorcyclists
Safety Tips For Riders
If you are a motorcycle rider or even interested in becoming a rider, make sure you always follow these basic safety tips whenever you hit the road:
- Always wear the proper protective gear like a helmet, gloves, boots, armored jackets, and reflective attire
- Do not ride a motorcycle that is more than you can handle
- Before riding always inspect the mechanics of your motorcycle for any malfunctions
- Ride defensively and anticipate the actions of other drivers
- Never ride distracted
- Look twice before pulling out into intersections and turning
- Never tailgate other drivers
- Keep your distance from aggressive and distracted drivers
- Always use both brakes to stop
- Watch your speed
- Stay out of the blindspots of other vehicles
- Use extra caution in poor weather and road conditions
If you follow all these basic safety tips and learn about the local campaigns for National Motorcycle Awareness Month you can prevent unnecessary motorcycle accidents. However if you or a loved one have been injured or killed in a motorcycle accident, contact the lawyers at All Injuries Law Firm. Our attorneys have years of experience handling motorcycle accident cases and can help you get the compensation you deserve.