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Motorcycles, while a fun method of transportation, pose additional hazards when you ride them due to their exposed, more compact nature in comparison to other vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Association concluded that in 2015, motorcyclists made up roughly one-in-eight of all traffic fatalities in the U.S. To avoid auto accidents, you can use several strategies to ride safely.

Tips to Stay Safe on a Motorcycle

1. Wear a Helmet & Other Protective Gear

auto accidentProtective motorcycle gear can save your life in the event of an auto accident. Your helmet must include a face shield and have DOT certification or compliance with European safety standard 22.05. It is required by law in 48 out of 50 states. Without it, you are five times more likely to sustain a head injury according to the NHTSA.

Other protective gear, like biker jackets, pants, boots with nonskid soles, and gloves can also protect you from serious injury when made with thick material with high-abrasion resistance, like leather or nylon. Boots, in particular, should have extra protection around your ankles and have the ability to tuck any laces. While black leather may look cool, opt for bright colors and add reflective elements to your clothing and bike to make yourself visible to other drivers. 

2. Use Highways as Much as Possible

Driving on surface streets may seem safer, but they can pose a bigger threat than the high-speed environment of the highway. Areas near shopping centers are particularly dangerous, as there are excess cars changing lanes and crossing direct lines of traffic, which poses a threat to a smaller vehicle like a motorcycle. On the highway, while there are occasional lane changes, the flow of traffic is more predictable, making your job as an alert rider simpler. As always, drive at the appropriate speed limit, and follow the flow of traffic to optimize your ride safety. 

3. Don’t Ever Drink & Ride

There is never an excuse to ride while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In fatal auto accidents that included motorcycles in 2015, the NHTSA found that 1,285 riders had a blood alcohol content at or over the legal limit of .08, and 337 additional motorcyclists had BACs between .01 and .07. This demographic of motor vehicle drivers has the highest percentage of alcohol-impaired drivers involved in these fatal crashes, with 27% of motorcycles versus 21% of passenger cars, 20% of light trucks, and 2% of large trucks.

4. Stay Alert of Your Surroundings

The vast majority of auto accidents involving a motorcycle, the driver will say that they didn’t see the rider coming. While drivers have a responsibility to remain vigilant of their surroundings, you have a particular obligation as a motorcyclist to keep a sharp eye on the road. Keep your distance on the highway if you see a car trying to merge, and stay aware of drivers as you go through an intersection. Half of all motorcycle crashes occur at intersections and most commonly involve a car turning left in front of a motorcyclist.

5. Enroll in a Motorcycle Course

If you’re a new rider, take a motorcycle safety course to learn the tricks to defensive riding. Even experienced riders could use a refresher on the techniques and strategies that can save you when you’re in a tough spot. In addition to their useful information, these classes can also land you a discount on your insurance. 


These tips can help you avoid auto accidents on your motorcycle, but if you are involved in a crash, a personal injury attorney can support you through the legal process. In Lake St. Louis, MO, residents turn to Coyne, Cundiff, & Hillemann, P.C., to handle their case when they’re injured in an accident. Their attorneys have more than 75 years of combined experience, using personalized attention and tenured skill to get the verdicts their clients deserve. For more information about their full range of legal services and to schedule a free consultation today, call (636) 561-5599 or visit them online.

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