The United States Department of Transportation has many different publications about safety. One of them on its website includes motorcycle safety. As we get into the warmer weather and Spring 2014 turns into Summer drive safely and avoid a Pennsylvania motorcycle accident and injury.
Among all motor vehicles, motorcycles are the most vulnerable on the road. Because motorcycles do not have seat belts, you can be thrown off your seat in a crash, which can result in serious injury or even death. Imagine your chance for survival if a truck strikes you, or if you strike it. Hitting a truck is like hitting a steel wall. However, your chance for survival will be increased if you wear a helmet and follow the safety tips below when riding your motorcycle.
WATCH THE NO-ZONES
Never hang out in a truck’s blind spot or “No-Zone.” Trucks have large No-Zones on both sides, the front and behind the truck. Truck drivers cannot see you when you ride in these blind spots, which allows for a greater chance of a crash. The front blind spot is particularly dangerous if you need to stop quickly. Because of their lightweight and braking system, motorcycles can stop much faster than trucks. A truck may not be able to stop as quickly as you do, so you need to take special precautions to avoid crashes before they happen.
ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET
Make sure to always wear a helmet. Beware of helmets that do not meet U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) standards. Check for the DOT label inside your helmet. Helmets are the most important piece of equipment you can wear when riding your motorcycle. A helmet could be your only source of protection in a serious crash.
DRIVE TO SURVIVE
Motorcycles are the smallest vehicles on the road. Unfortunately they provide virtually no protection in a crash. Other drivers may not see you on your motorcycle, so you must be aware of everything on the road. Be extra cautious, paying attention to the signals and brake lights of other vehicles, especially trucks. However, you still need to be prepared in the event their signals or lights don’t work. Ride with caution and drive defensively. Even though your motorcycle may be small, you must adhere to the laws of the road. Never ride in between lanes in traffic or share a lane with another vehicle. Don’t instigate aggressive driving with other motorists; you will only increase your chance of a crash.
CHECK YOURSELF AND YOUR BIKE
Conduct a safety inspection of your motorcycle before each ride, and wear protective clothing including gloves, boots and a jacket. Proper maintenance and protective clothing will help reduce your chance of an crash or the severity of injury if you are involved in a crash, especially with a large truck or bus.
WATCH YOUR SPEED
Of all vehicles, motorcycles accelerate the fastest, while trucks and buses are the slowest. Please watch your speed around trucks, especially in bad weather or at night. Colliding with the back of a truck will end your riding days.
Call us at Schmidt Kramer Harrisburg Motorcycle Lawyers if you have any other questions.
If you are injured in a Harrisburg motorcycle accident and you’re looking for an Pennsylvania motorcycle accident attorney who knows how to handle a Pa. motorcycle accident injury case, Central PA is home to the experienced lawyers at Schmidt Kramer.
Our personal injury attorneys will handle your motorcycle accident case with the utmost of care and get you the compensation that you deserve. We handle motorcycle accident injury cases throughout Pennsylvania, including Dauphin County, Cumberland County, York County, Franklin County, Adams County, Perry County and Lebanon County.
Call us today for a free consultation at 717-888-8888 or 1-888-476-0807.
Also, download our Firm Newsletters or any of our brochures including “Vital Information for Your Financial Recovery After a Pennsylvania Vehicle Crash“.