Motorcycle Accident Attorneys in Michigan Remind Motorists of Safety Awareness Month

It’s spring time in Michigan and for many that means time to bring out the bike and enjoy riding. Motorists all over the state will begin to see more and more motorcycles out on our roads and highways. For this reason, our Goodman Acker P.C. motorcycle attorneys also thought this would be a good time to remind drivers that May is national motorcycle safety awareness month.

Bikers do have all the same rights as any other motor vehicle being driven on the roadway, however more often than not bikers are unfortunately not treated with the same privileges, being run off or cut off of the road.

Motorcycle safety awareness month is a national campaign that reminds drivers of all vehicles to safely “share the road” with bikers and to be extra alert to help keep them safe. This campaign also reminds motorcyclists to make themselves more visible to motorists in order to help decrease the number of accidents.

Last year in Michigan, there were 2,860 motorcycle crashes (data taken from Michigan Traffic Crash Facts). Injuries resulting from these crashes are often more severe and can cause life-threatening injuries. It is important that as drivers we are mindful of our surroundings and treat motorcyclists the same as we would treat another vehicle on the road.

In honor of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, our motorcycle accident lawyers would like to share a list of tips that will help keep new riders safe. These tips were provided by www.consumerreports.org. Even if you are not a new rider, we highly recommend you read these tips as they still provide helpful in keeping you safe.

1. Do not buy more bike than you can handle. Start with one that fits you.
2. Invest in antilock brakes. Motorcycles equipped with antilock brakes are 37% less likely to be involved in a fatal crash.
3. Perfect your skills by taking a motorcycle safety riding course in your area. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) lists about 2,700 locations for such courses throughout the U.S. Click here to find one near you.
4. Wear a helmet. In Michigan, riders have free choice of whether or not they want to wear a helmet (some restrictions do apply), however riders without a helmet are 40% more likely to suffer a fatal head injury in a crash and three times more likely to suffer a brain injury compared to those bikers who do wear helmets.
5. Wear the right gear. For maximum protection, bikers should wear leather or other reinforced jackets, gloves, full pants, and over-the-ankle footwear, even during the summer months.
6. Be defensive. Cars are at fault for accidents involving bikes 60% of the time. Therefore be extra alert, watching out for cars suddenly changing lanes and be sure not to tailgate a vehicle while riding.
7. Avoid bad weather. Bad weather such as rain will not only reduce your visibility but also reduces your tires’ grip on the road which means you are more susceptible to being involved in an accident.
8. Watch for road hazards, such as potholes. Hazards you may not notice in a car can be seriously dangerous to a motorcyclist.
9. Make sure everything is running properly on your bike. Do a quick-walk around and make sure your lights, horn and directional signs are working properly. You will also want to check the chain, belt, or shaft and brakes, and tires.

Motorcycles are not just on the road in May but the entire summer and a good part of fall. We urge motorists to get in the habit of looking for motorcycles as they drive and to “share the road” with them appropriately, both during this safety awareness month and after. Keep away from distractions at all times, such as texting and driving, and stay alert of your surroundings. On behalf of everyone at Goodman Acker P.C., we wish everyone a safe riding season!