Avoiding Motorcycle Accidents During the Summer
- June 20, 2019
- Sandy
SAN JOSE, Calif. — Many Californians and people across the U.S. choose to do their traveling by motorcycle during the summer. A motorcycle accident lawyer in San Jose says summer weather can be ideal for riding, and the increase in motorcycles on the roadways leads to more motorcycle accidents.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) reports that 58 percent of all fatal motorcycle accidents in the United States during 2017 happened between May and September. Fatal accidents were at their highest during July that year, with 707 motorcyclists dying in accidents in that month alone. Deadly motorcycle crashes were at their lowest in January, with that month accounting for 191 motorcyclist fatalities.
While summer inherently presents increased risks of motorcycle accidents, our San Jose motorcycle accident lawyers say you can take certain steps to avoid an injury-causing accident while riding this summer and during the other months of the year.
Always Wear Proper Protective Gear.
Protective gear cannot prevent an accident from occurring, but it can help prevent serious injuries and death. IIHS states that helmets reduce a motorcyclist’s risk of death in a traffic accident by as much as 42 percent. Motorcyclists who do not wear helmets are three times more likely to sustain serious brain injuries in accidents than motorcyclists who wear helmets.
According to a motorcycle accident lawyer in San Jose, California is one of 19 states that has a universal helmet law, which requires all persons riding on motorcycles to wear helmets. This includes passengers. The majority of states have partial helmet laws, which require helmets for certain riders. Usually, these laws apply to persons under the age of 18. Three states in the U.S., including Illinois, Iowa, and New Hampshire, do not have any kind of helmet law, according to IIHS.
Protective gear also includes attire, like leather clothing, full-length sleeves and pants, and safety pads. These items of clothing help protect riders’ skin from scrapes, cuts, and painful road rash in the event of an accident.
Use Extreme Caution When Lane Splitting.
Under California law, motorcyclists are allowed to lane split, a motorcycle accident attorney said. This means they can ride on the white lines between two lanes on a roadway. Many legislators believe lane splitting can prevent some types of accidents and injuries to motorcyclists by allowing them to pass by stopped or slowed traffic.
However, the practice is still somewhat controversial and can present unique dangers. Motorcyclists need to use extreme caution during a lane split, traveling at a low rate of speed and paying close attention to drivers in the lanes beside them.
Ride Defensively and Predictably.
Everyone on the road can benefit from a little defensive driving, but motorcyclists are particularly advantaged when they ride defensively. Driver carelessness and the high stakes of a motorcycle accident mean that riders have to be constantly aware. Staying on high alert can prevent a crash when other motorists are not paying attention or are failing to share the road.
In addition, motorcyclists are less likely to be involved in accidents when they ride predictably. It is difficult for drivers to give motorcyclists a safe distance if they are suddenly accelerating or decelerating, rapidly changing lanes, or lane splitting at a high rate of speed. Predictable behavior can keep everyone safe.
Perform Motorcycle Maintenance.
In addition to the steps above, riders can help prevent accidents in all seasons by performing regular motorcycle maintenance. When all lights are working, the tires are in good condition, and the bike is functioning properly, mishaps and collisions are less likely to occur.
What To Do If Someone Hits You
No one wants to envision the worst-case scenario, but crashes affect hundreds of riders every year in the Bay Area. If you or a loved one was struck by another vehicle while riding a motorcycle, you must do everything you can to protect their rights! This includes finding the best motorcycle accident lawyer near me for my case.
At The Barnes Firm, our attorneys have not only fought for motorcycle accident victims, we’re also riders ourselves. We’ve assembled a team of experienced attorneys in California who can serve all corners of the state. When you call The Barnes Firm, we can put you in touch with some of our best motorcycle accident lawyers in San Jose, Oakland, Los Angeles and other areas in California.
Unlike some other law firms, we won’t charge you anything to get your questions answered. Give us a call for a FREE consultation and see how our motorcycle accident lawyers can help you get the best result possible after an accident.
The Barnes Firm (800) 800-0000
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