MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota. With spring upon us, avid motorcyclists are looking forward to riding again. New riders may also be thinking of taking up a new hobby. While motorcyclists are among the safest motorists on the road, riding comes with risk. New riders, in particular, should take measures to protect their safety as they hit the road. New riders should start off small and simple until they are comfortable with their ride. Once they have a bit more experience, they can start upgrading their ride and gear – maybe even treat themselves to a helmet with integrated options that allows them to connect to Bluetooth. If they begin with a bike that’s too powerful or gear that’s too complex then they could be putting themselves in danger.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 80% of motorcycle crashes result in injury or death. When accidents occur, riders have no protection of a vehicle to prevent them from hitting the pavement or being thrown off their bikes. They are at greater risk of head and spinal cord injuries, and other serious injuries. New riders, in particular, should take a safety course. One of the leading causes of rider injury is a lack of basic riding skills. Motorcyclists need to use more robust defensive driving techniques because the consequences of an accident are much higher than when riding in a vehicle. Riders need special skills, and need to understand their bike’s limitations. Turning in a motorcycle is different than turning in a car. Motorcyclists have to be more aware of road conditions because gravel can cause the motorcycle to skid.
According to Consumer Reports, new riders can stay safe by finding the right kind of bike. Find a motorcycle that fits your size and that offers the right kind of power for the kind of riding you’ll be doing. Consumer Reports also recommends that riders invest in antilock breaks. Not all models come with antilock breaks, but they make riders 37% less likely to be involved in a fatal accident. New riders may be more prone to locking their breaks if they find themselves in a dangerous situation. Antilock breaks help riders maintain control of their vehicles. Even experienced riders should consider getting antilock breaks, as most high-end models come with the feature.
Riders should also invest in the right gear. Leather jackets don’t just look cool, but they can also protect you from road rash if you happen to have a fall that leads to a skid. Moreover, during a skid, not only the rider can get injured but the motorcycle can also be damaged. A shield of protection of the items included in the graphics kit can extend the vehicle’s life and keep it looking good. KTM graphics kits or other similar graphics kits could help in protecting the vehicle’s body by preventing direct scratches and dents. Eye protection is also incredibly important. Flying road debris can be very dangerous. Sunglasses are not enough. You’ll want eye protection designed for motorcycle riders.
Yet, even taking all safety precautions into account, research has shown that passenger vehicles are responsible for motorcycle accidents 60 percent of the time. Drivers may be distracted or simply not looking out for riders. Even riders who keep their distance and drive defensively are at risk. Investing in full coverage motorcycle insurance can help to protect you financially from an accident, especially if it is caused by another driver.
If you or a loved one was hurt due to the negligence or neglect of another driver, you have rights. The Law Offices of Martin T. Montilino are car accident attorneys in Minneapolis, Minnesota who work closely with victims and families to help them get the recovery they may deserve. When drivers make critical errors behind the wheel, motorcyclists may be the ones who suffer. Insurance companies and adjusters may have a bias against riders, making it challenging to get compensation to cover medical expenses and other losses. If you’ve been having difficulty getting the recovery you believe you deserve, contact the personal injury lawyers at the Law Office of Martin T. Montilino today.