Summer is prime riding season for motorcyclists across the country. Even in Arizona, riders tend to take advantage of the longer daylight hours.
From Phoenix to the sweeping curves through Flagstaff and Sedona, Arizona offers some great places to ride.
But with more riding, comes more risk. It’s also the prime season for motorcycle accidents.
For motorcyclists, unfortunately it’s less a question of if you’ll get into a motorcycle accident and more a question of when.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety estimated that per mile traveled in 2013, motorcycle deaths were over 26 times the number in cars.
Helmets provide a measure of precaution, about 37% effective in preventing motorcycle deaths and about 67% effective in preventing brain injuries, yet Arizona law only mandates helmet use for riders under 18 years of age.
Here at Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer, we hope the twists and turns of the road bring you many hours of safe enjoyment this season and beyond.
We want you out there riding, but we also want you safe. And if an accident does occur, have the peace of mind that we are here to help.
Below are some tips and reminders to keep you cruising.
Safety tips:
- Wear appropriate attire – While you’ll want to stay cool in the heat, it’s essential to still wear the right protective gear. Helmets top the list, as do gloves, protective eyewear, and solid footwear. If riding at night, consider wearing clothing equipped with reflective panels, or at a minimum, something bright or light colored.
- Know your motorcycle before riding – On the road is not the time to learn your bike. If you’re riding an unfamiliar or new motorcycle, make sure to take a little extra time prior to riding on primary streets, in a parking lot or perhaps in your neighborhood, to get to know the bike and how it handles.
- Maintenance matters – Be sure to maintain all safety features of your bike. Proper maintenance is vital to safe riding including maintaining proper tire pressure and ensuring all lighting and signals are in working order.
- Proceed with caution in the rain – Rain decreases visibility and creates a slippery surface. Extra time may be required in wet conditions and a rider will need to adjust how they accelerate, corner, and brake to prohibit loss of traction. If rain is too heavy, it’s best to wait it out.
- Play defense – To often we hear, “I just didn’t see them.” Motorcyclists must be defensive drivers. The reality is the risks of serious injury and even death is significantly higher for bikers. Pay attention to the space between your bike and other vehicles and proceed with caution at intersections. Safety first and foremost always!
- Never drink and ride – Among motorcycle fatalities in 2013, 27% had BACs of 0.08% or greater. It’s never worth the risk. Call a friend.
- Take a refresher course – Perhaps it’s been a while since you took a riding safety course and maybe you’ve been riding for years. Still, honing up on the basics is always a good idea and required in many states.
If the worst happens and you are injured in an accident:
- Dial 911 and wait for an emergency response team. Never attempt to leave the scene on your own.
- Relocate all possible persons to a safe place to help prevent any further accidents
- Identify witnesses
- Gather personal information from involved parties
- Take notes and photographs of the accident scene
- Contact us immediately
Allow us to contact the insurance company or, if the other side’s insurance company contacts you, do not grant them an interview until you seek counsel.
Insurance companies seem innocent enough, but often they’ll seek information that many hinder your claim without you even realizing it.
If you or a loved one has suffered motorcycle injuries, you’ll have a better chance at maximizing the compensation you deserve by retaining the expertise of Silkman Law Firm Injury & Accident Lawyer. Contact or call at 602-535-5899 for a free case evaluation.
