How to Practice Safe Riding on a Motorcycle in Illinois
Traffic accidents notoriously rise during the summer months, perhaps due to more people on the road. Even though motorcycle fatalities technically decreased in 2019, the number of motorcyclists who were injured increased by about 2.4 percent, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Many people who have motorcycles begin to get back out onto the road when the weather gets warmer, but motorcyclists face a unique set of challenges on the road. The best way to prevent motorcycle accidents from happening is by protecting yourself and practicing safe motorcycle riding habits. Here are a few things to keep in mind the next time you go for a ride:
- The most important piece of safety equipment you can own is a helmet. Studies have shown that motorcyclists who do not wear helmets are much more likely to suffer severe head injuries or even death. Any helmet you wear should have a Department of Transportation sticker on the back, so you know that it meets federal safety standards and is providing the most protection.
- You should also wear other safety gear, as well. Other than a helmet, you should always dress appropriately when you ride. You should always wear long pants and long sleeves when you are riding. This provides a bit more protection for your bare skin against the asphalt. You should also wear boots that have a small heel and cover your ankles to protect your feet and increase your stability.
- Check your bike when you take it out of storage. If you are taking your bike out of winter storage, there are various maintenance measures that you should take before you head out. You should make sure all of your lights and signals work properly, your hydraulics and coolant fluid levels are correct, and that your tires are in good condition and inflated properly.
- Always follow all traffic laws and rules. Although it may be obvious, you should be sure to follow all traffic laws. Other drivers on the road expect you to follow the rules of the road and may not anticipate other actions that break the rules. Never weave in and out of traffic or lanes, as this can be dangerous.
- Never ride when you are not 100 percent alert and focused. Even though it is illegal to drive a vehicle when you are under the influence, people still do it. However, this can be deadly if you are riding a motorcycle while intoxicated. According to the NHTSA, around 37 percent of people who died in motorcycle accidents in 2019 had alcohol in their system at the time of the accident.
Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? Our Kane County Motorcycle Accident Injury Attorneys Can Help
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, you should speak with a skilled Aurora, IL motorcycle accident injury lawyer as soon as you can. Our team at Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur P.C. has more than 100 years of combined experience helping clients who have suffered effects of traffic accidents, including those involving motorcycles. Our skilled attorneys will do everything in their power to settle your case without having to go to trial but will be tenacious in pursuing compensation if it comes to that. Call our office today at 630-907-0909 to schedule a free consultation to get started on your case.
Sources:
https://www.nsc.org/road-safety/safety-topics/motorcycle-safety
https://www.twistedroad.com/blog/posts/the-9-motorcycle-safety-tips-that-all-riders-need-to-know
https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813060
