
Motorcycle drivers and their passengers are much more likely to be injured in a collision than those who are driving or riding in vehicles. In fact, the National Safety Council has reported that while only 3% of registered vehicles in the United States are motorcycles, motorcyclists make up 13% of all traffic fatalities. In addition, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has reported that motorcyclist fatalities occur 27 times more often than fatalities in other motor vehicles.
Since motorcyclists do not have the safety features and protections provided by a car or truck, they should take extra care to protect themselves and take precautions to avoid accidents. Here are some safety tips that all cyclists should follow:
- Wear a helmet - Helmets are not required for adult motorcyclists in Illinois, but wearing one is strongly
- Use proper eye protection - Goggles can protect cyclists’ eyes while riding, but a full face shield offers more protection from insects, dirt, rain, or other elements that can cause pain and distraction. Goggles or face shields should be shatter-resistant and free of scratches while providing a clear field of vision, and they should be fastened securely so they do not come off while riding.
- Wear proper clothing - Cyclists should wear clothes that fully cover their arms and legs. This provides protection from weather and the moving parts of a motorcycle, and it can also provide protection in a crash. Wearing brightly colored or reflective clothing can help ensure that a cyclist will be seen by other drivers on the road.
- Drive defensively - Many motorcycle accidents occur because drivers do not see motorcycles around their vehicles. Cyclists should take extra care to ensure that they do not drive in other cars’ blind spots or follow vehicles too closely, and they should always follow the rules of the road.
- Never drink and drive - Alcohol impairment makes it unsafe for a driver to operate any vehicle, but the loss of coordination and reaction time can be especially dangerous for motorcyclists. Even if a cyclist is not above the legal blood alcohol limit of .08%, it is best to avoid operating a motorcycle after drinking any amount of alcohol or using drugs that can impair one’s driving ability.
Contact a Palatine Motorcycle Accident Attorney
Motorcyclists are much more likely to be injured in a collision than other drivers, and when an accident is caused by a person’s negligence, a cyclist may be able to pursue compensation for their injuries. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, the attorneys of Drost, Gilbert, Andrew & Apicella, LLC can work with you to help you obtain the compensation you deserve. Contact a Schaumburg personal injury lawyer today at 847-934-6000 to schedule a personalized consultation.
About the Author: Attorney Ken Apicella is a founding partner of DGAA focusing in the areas of personal injury, employment, insurance coverage disputes, and civil litigation. Ken earned his J.D. from DePaul University College of Law in 1999. He has been named a SuperLawyers Rising Star and a Forty Illinois Attorneys Under Forty to Watch. Ken has written and lectured for the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education and regularly serves as a moderator at Northwest Suburban Bar Association's Continuing Legal Education seminars.
Sources:
https://www.nsc.org/road-safety/safety-topics/motorcycle-safety
https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/motorcycle-safety
https://www.cyberdriveillinois.com/publications/pdf_publications/dsd_x140.pdf