May Is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
The month of May commences the start of motorcycle rallies along the coast of South Carolina. May is also Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, an annual event that couldn’t come at a better time. Between local riders and the many out-of-town motorcycle enthusiasts who will be riding through the area, the risk for motorcycle accidents and personal injuries increases dramatically. Whether you choose to travel on two wheels or four, be aware of the dangers and the steps you can take to protect yourself and others on the road.
Reducing the Risks of Motorcycle Accidents
With warmer weather bringing more bikers out on the road, the month of May is the perfect month for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to raise awareness regarding motorcycle safety. Motorcycle accidents claim the lives of close to 5,000 people each year while causing serious and potentially disabling injuries for tens of thousands of others.
To reduce accident risks, Motorcycle Safety Month focuses on simple steps bikers can take to protect themselves. These include:
● Ensure your motorcycle is the appropriate size for your height and weight
● Get used to how it handles before taking it on highways or traffic-congested roads
● Wear the appropriate safety gear, including long pants, closed-toe shoes, and an approved safety helmet
● Obey posted speed limits and use extra caution on gravel roads or during adverse weather
● Pay attention to what is going on around you and never assume other drivers see you or will yield the right of way
● If you intend on having even one or two drinks, find another way to get home
How Motorists Can Help Prevent Motorcycle Accidents
Even when taking the above precautions, motorcycle accidents in Aiken can still happen. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation warns that, in many cases, the reckless actions of other motorists on the road are to blame.
As a driver, you can help to prevent crashes and collisions with bikers by following some simple precautions:
● Accept that motorcyclists have just as much right to be on the road as any other vehicle and avoid aggressive driving behaviors, such as tailgating
● Realize that motorcycles are not able to slam on the brakes as quickly as other motorists and avoid pulling out in front of them or cutting them off in traffic
● Give bikers plenty of room and avoid swerving too closely into their lane
● Come to a complete stop at intersections and give motorcyclists the right of way when appropriate
● Realize that multiple bikers often stay together in the interest of safety and avoid trying to cut in or other dangerous behaviors
Be particularly cautious when driving in areas where motorcycle rallies are currently going on. Bear in mind that proceeds from these events often go to support vets, children, and other charities.
Contact the Surasky Law Firm
May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, which nicely coincides with the beginning of South Carolina motorcycle rallies. When motorcycle accidents do happen, you can count on the Surasky Law Firm to get you the compensation you need to recover. To request a consultation, contact our Aiken motorcycle accident attorney today.
