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Motorcycle Safety Tips & Statistics

Motorcycle riding has become more popular in recent years, appealing to a new group of enthusiasts consisting of older and more affluent riders. A 2019 report by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) stated that the number of on-road motorcycles registered in the U.S. has been steadily increasing, doubling from 4.2 million in 2002 to 8.3 million by 2018.


But for those not taking the appropriate safety precautions, motorcycle riding can be extremely dangerous and sometimes fatal. Frank Penney Injury Lawyers offers some tips on motorcycle safety below.

Motorcycle Safety Tips

TAKE A SAFETY COURSE

Taking a motorcycle safety course helps riders understand street safety and potentially avoid collisions for those riders. Safety Center in Sacramento offers a motorcycle training course (MTC) and Intermediate Riding Clinic to instruct riders on street safety at a reasonable cost.

WEAR APPROPRIATE SAFETY GEAR

Wearing the right apparel can be the difference between life and death. BikeBandit provides many safety gear options, such as helmets, gloves, pants, and even boots to protect every inch of your body. California law requires all riders and passengers to wear a helmet when riding.

BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS

The most common motorcycle accident occurs when a car turns left in front of the rider. This is typical because the car fails to see the rider or judges his or her speed incorrectly, thereby turning in front of the motorcycle rider at an intersection. The motorcycle rider can look out for signs, such as a car at an intersection waiting to turn or a gap in traffic near an intersection, driveway, or parking lot. In these cases, it’s up to the motorcycle drive to slow down, prepare to brake, and be prepared for evasive action.

UNDERSTAND YOUR MOTORCYCLE’S BRAKING SYSTEM 

Stopping a motorcycle is more complicated than stopping a car. Motorcycles have separate brakes for the front and rear wheels and braking hard can lock the wheels and cause the bike to overturn, which obviously can lead to extensive injury. Not braking hard enough can put the rider into harm’s way, such as in the path of an oncoming vehicle.


With an anti-lock braking system, a rider can brake fully without fear of locking up. The system automatically reduces brake pressure when a lockup is about to occur and increases it again after traction is restored. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has found that motorcycles with antilock brakes are 37 percent less likely to be in fatal crashes.

BE AWARE OF MANUFACTURER’S DEFECTS

It’s not all that uncommon for a motorcycle company to issue a recall due to a defective part, which can compromise the safety of the ride. Keep an eye out for product recalls — sometimes the dealer will offer a free inspection, and a quick fix might be all that is required to prevent a motorcycle accident. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has a tool you can use to search recall information by VIN.

BE SMART ABOUT MOTOR SCOOTER SAFETY

Large scooters that are highway-capable have become more popular and expose the rider to just as much risk as riding a motorcycle. As with every type of vehicle, there are several motor scooter safety measures you can take to prevent injuries and accidents on your scooter.

Motorcycle Accident Statistics

According to an NHTSA fact sheet, in 2016:

  • There were 5,286 motorcyclists killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes—an increase of 5.1 percent from the 5,029 motorcyclists killed in 2015.
  • Two-wheeled motorcycles accounted for 93 percent of all motorcycles in fatal crashes.
  • Motorcyclists accounted for 14 percent of all traffic fatalities and 17 percent of all occupant (driver and passenger) fatalities.
  • Of the 5,286 motorcyclists killed in traffic crashes, 94 percent (4,950) were riders and 6 percent (336) were passengers.

The IIHS reported the following motorcycle fatality data for the year 2017:

  • In 2017, 31 percent of fatally injured motorcycle drivers were operating without a valid driver’s license.
  • Thirty-eight percent of motorcyclist deaths in 2017 occurred in single-vehicle crashes, and 62 percent occurred in multiple-vehicle crashes.
  • Ninety-one percent of motorcyclists killed in 2017 were males.
  • 61 percent of fatally injured motorcycle drivers were helmeted. Helmet use was lower, at 39 percent, for people killed as passengers on motorcycles.
  • Among motorcycle drivers killed in 2017, 33 percent drove motorcycles with engine sizes larger than 1,400 ccs, compared with 9 percent in 2000 and less than 1 percent in 1990.

Understand the Risks Involved

Because motorcycle riding is a hobby that only seems to grow among motorcycle enthusiasts, it is important to understand the risks involved. Taking a motorcycle safety course, wearing the proper attire, being aware of your surroundings, and understanding the mechanisms of your motorcycle are just a few ways to reduce or prevent injury while riding. If you have been in a motorcycle collision or you have lost a loved one due to the negligence of a vehicle driver, you should contact a qualified motorcycle accident attorney.

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Call Our Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Today

The California motorcycle accident attorneys of Frank Penney Injury Lawyers, understand why more and more men and women are being drawn to motorcycle riding in California. Many like to ride for recreation. They are drawn to the excitement of the open road and the many friendships they create with members of a motorcycle organization. Our state offers plenty of scenic rides along the coast and other highways. Some use motorcycles as their main form of transportation because they are a cost-efficient transportation method. However, you use your bike, we have a team ready to help you if you are involved in a wreck. If you were hurt because of someone else’s negligence, we believe you have the right to compensation. If you have medical injuries preventing you from working, the bills start piling up and you must contact us as soon as possible. Our law office is available for you 24/7. Give our legal team a call today at 888-888-0566.

No Fee Guarantee!

Our legal team understands that life can be very stressful after an accident of any type. The financial costs of your accident can add to that stress. When you are asking for help, this should make your life easier – not more difficult. That is why you do not have to worry about any upfront legal fees and expenses when you hire Frank Penney Injury Lawyers to handle your California personal injury case.


At Frank Penney Injury Lawyers, Frank Penney and his staff work on a contingency basis. This means you only have to pay a fee if you win your case. We will never charge a fee unless we obtain a settlement on your behalf. No win. No fee. Case closed.


This means there is no risk in asking Frank Penney Injury Lawyers for help. You get to benefit from Frank Penney’s years of experience, knowledge, and success without needing to stress about the cost. Call today to set up a free initial case assessment or to learn more.

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Injured Motorcyclist Resolved Case for $500,000 Policy Limit

Plaintiff was operating a motorcycle when he was involved in a collision in a rural part of San Joaquin County, California in May of 2012. The Defendant, driving a full-size pickup truck, made a left turn directly in front of Plaintiff, violently colliding with Plaintiff and his motorcycle. Plaintiff was ejected from his motorcycle, traveled […]

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If you are involved in any type of personal injury due to the fault of someone else, our experienced team at Frank Penney Injury Lawyers can help. We are available to anyone in Northern California 24/7! Give us a call today to learn more at 888-888-0566. We will fight for your rights!

No matter where you are in Northern California, or how you reach us, we will be there for you 24/7!

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