Posted in Car Accident,Motorcycle Safety,Personal Injury,Tennessee Accident Law on April 30, 2015
Governor’s Highway Safety Office Kicks off Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
The Governor’s Highway Safety Office along with the Tennessee Highway Patrol is kicking off Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in Nashville on Friday.
According to a report by wsmv.com and the Associated Press, the event will feature a motorcycle accident survivor as well as the director of trauma outreach at Vanderbilt University Medical Center to help educate motorcyclists and other motorists about motorcycle safety.
Officials with the Tennessee Highway Patrol say that motorcycle fatalities have increased over the past decade by 25 percent, and in 2014, there were 2,710 motorcycle crashes in the state.
The report goes on to state that the state legislature considered a bill during the past session that would remove the requirement for all adult motorcyclists to wear helmets while riding, but the bill ultimately didn’t pass.
However, a special provision did pass that allows motorcycle riders taking part in special events, like funeral processions and parades, to ride without helmets.
The Nashville car accident lawyers at Matt Hardin Law are glad to see that the Tennessee Highway Patrol and Governor’s Highway Safety Office are working to cut down on the number of motorcycle accidents in the state.
How Can Motorcyclists Stay Safe?
Riding a motorcycle is both fun and extremely fuel efficient, making it the perfect way to get around for people who love the feel of the open road. However, motorcycles can also be more dangerous than traditional passenger vehicles—especially during accidents. Motorcycles provide little to no protection for riders, and even minor accidents can result in serious injuries.
To stay safe on a motorcycle, do your best to follow these tips:
Motorcycle safety goes beyond just wearing a helmet. In addition to always wearing a full-face helmet that is rated for maximum protection, you should also wear a leather or reinforced riding jacket, gloves, reinforced pants, and boots designed to provide full protection for your feet and ankles. Many of these items are vented and breathable, making them comfortable to wear year-round, even during summer.
Studies have shown that more than half of motorcycle accidents are caused by drivers of other vehicles. That’s why motorcyclists should always drive defensively and anticipate the actions of the cars and trucks around them. Because motorcycles are much less visible than passenger vehicles, motorcyclists should always use extreme caution when turning into traffic or switching lanes near vehicles and to ride under the assumption that other drivers aren’t aware of their presence.
Other vehicles and distracted drivers aren’t the only thing motorcyclists have to worry about during their rides. Defects in the roadway, debris, slippery surfaces, potholes, sand, gravel, and other objects that normally wouldn’t pose any threats to standard passenger vheicles can prove very dangerous to motorcyclists. Always keep an eye out of these hazards and slow down or change lanes if you see one in the roadway ahead.
While minor engine, brake, or tire problems are rarely more than nuisance or minor risk for passenger vehicles, those same issues can put motorcyclists are serious risk of suffering severe injuries. Before every ride, always inspect your motorcycle and check the tires, chain, belt, brakes, lights, horn, and turn signals. If you notice any components don’t work or need repairs, get them replaced before you head out on your next trip.
At Matt Hardin Law, our Nashville car accident lawyers have helped many victims of motorcycle accidents, and we know that these types of crashes can have serious, debilitating, and often life-threatening consequences for motorcyclists. That’s why it’s so important for all riders to follow as many safety guidelines as possible any time they head out on Tennessee’s roadways.
If you or someone you love was injured in a motorcycle accident, get in touch with our legal team today. It’s our goal to help you get the compensation you need for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Just dial (615) 200-1111 or fill out a free online form.
