Safety Precautions Rosemont Motorcyclists Need to Know
I’m Ed Smith, a Rosemont motorcycle accident attorney. Motorcycle riders are much more likely to suffer an injury or die in a collision with a motor vehicle. Many of the deaths and injuries are less likely to occur if the rider takes certain safety precautions. Due to their lack of protection compared with a motor vehicle, it has been estimated that motorcycle rider fatalities are 29 times higher than those in a motor vehicle. In 2015, the last year for which statistics are available, there were around 88,000 reported injuries due to collisions. The number of fatalities nationwide of motorcyclists in 2016 was 5,286, a significant increase over the previous year.
Safety Precautions While Riding a Motorcycle
Following are some of the ways motorcycle riders can increase their safety:
- Alcohol and drug impairment: Drugged or drunk driving is a problem among both motorcycle riders and drivers. In addition to being illegal, it affects the biker’s ability to concentrate, react in an emergency situation and carefully handle a bike.
- Motorcycle safety: The majority of motorcycle riders are either self-taught, or a relative or friend taught them how to handle a bike. Taking a defensive riding course can be helpful in dangerous situations as well as helping to learn how to react in an emergency.
- Helmet use: Helmets are mandatory under California Vehicle Code 27803. However, not all riders wear helmets that meet the safety standards. Using a proper helmet can significantly reduce the risk of head and brain injuries in a collision.
- Antilock braking: Because motorcycles have separate brakes for the back and front, braking hard in an emergency can cause the bike to lock up, resulting in an accident. Unfortunately, not braking hard enough when it is needed might also result in an accident. Antilock brakes on a bike significantly lower the accident rate, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
- Get licensed: 16 percent of all motorcycle fatalities occur to those who do not have a valid license.
Injuries Caused by a Motorcycle Accident
Injuries to the lower extremities are the most common in a motorcycle crash such as road rash, abrasions, and broken bones. However, head trauma is among the most serious type of injury. Head trauma ranges from a minor concussion to traumatic brain injury, which can result in lifelong changes in cognition and require continual care. Of those who suffered injuries to the legs and feet, 81 percent were released after treatment in a hospital. Those who suffered abdominal or chest trauma required longer care by about 45 percent.
The Advantages of Wearing a Protective Helmet
The risk of traumatic brain injury is known to be reduced, with a properly worn helmet, by around 67 percent in those who are in a motorcycle crash. Helmets also reduce the risk of death by 37 percent. According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, helmets must be compliant with Department of Transportation regulations, which increases the safety factor three times higher than helmets that are not in compliance.
Rosemont Motorcycle Accident Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a Rosemont motorcycle accident attorney. Motorcycle accidents cause serious injuries and can be caused by a collision with a negligent driver. If you or your loved one was injured in an accident, you may be able to recover financial compensation to pay your expenses. Call me at (916) 921-6400 for compassionate and friendly advice free of charge. Outside the area, call me at (800) 404-5400.
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