Tag Archives: Motorcycle safety

General Safety Issues, Hand Protection, High Visibility Safety

HOW TO RIDE A MOTORCYCLE SAFELY (GUEST POST)

One thing is for sure that those who have ridden the bike once have become the fan of two wheelers forever because the fun and joy they get in riding a motorcycle is hard to get in any other type of vehicle. Therefore, it is often said that bikes are meant for people who do not like to go around in a steel cage, as they love to enjoy the thrill in the wind and embrace the natural beauty around them. However, let’s just face it -when it comes to safety, motorcycles do not offer the same protection that a four wheeler does. Moreover, a bike can go as fast as a car, but it doesn’t offer seat belts to the riders. On top of it, bikes do not have exterior frames like cars, so they cannot absorb the forces in case of a crash. 

Nevertheless, this does not mean that one should never ever ride a bike because today modern protective equipments and certain precautionary measures have made it possible to ride a motorcycle without endangering your life. The most important thing in this regard is wearing a helmet as it protects the most delicate part of the body, our head. For the reason that how dense our skull is, it still cannot protect our brain from getting damaged when it strikes against a footpath or concrete wall during a crash. Therefore, use of helmet for riders is a must, but alone it would not be enough to guarantee the safety of a rider. So professionals also advise people to wear right motorcycle gear that incorporates protective armours in it. 

In addition to  gear, motorcycle riders also need to wear proper gloves and boots for two wheels, which they can easily get from MotorcycleMegaStore.  They keep the skin of a rider from getting scratched and also save them from getting any serious injuries if a bike skids on the road. Apart from having all the personal protective equipment, a rider should also know about his or her riding skills, as it will define their limits. A riding skill is a thing which one cannot develop overnight because it evolves with the passage of time only. Therefore, riders should drive within their skills and do not test their luck by weaving in and out of the traffic or going through curves and turns at high speed. However, an advance riding course would definitely prove quite helpful in developing your riding skills.  

Besides improving riding skills a biker should also take care of the fact that they must look where they want to go otherwise they would either end up in a wrong lane or crash into a car or bike coming from the opposite side. One solution to avoid such a collision is that a rider must drop the speed before making a turn or leaning down because it will give them more control over the bike. Another big mistake that riders often make is that they do not leave enough space between their bike and the vehicle in front of them. As a result of that we often get to see bikers slamming into a vehicle from behind when the car or bike in front of them applies emergency brakes. 

For safe riding, bikers also need to look twice before switching the lane because cars can be easily spotted, but motorcycles are not that easy to spot. Therefore, a biker must keep his or her eyes open at all times, so they do not bump into another biker on the road. In this scenario, side mirrors on the bike would remain quite helpful, as they will give them a good view of any car or bike that is coming a from behind them at a high speed. Aside from taking these precautions, a rider should also take care of two more things, one – he should not drink and ride the bike; secondly, avoid all distractions. For instance, do not get lost in your little world, dream about tomorrow’s party or get busy on the cell phone with your friends or loved ones.

Hopefully, if a rider follows the aforementioned tips he or she would not only remain safe on the road, but they will also enjoy the ride more than anything.

Thanks to Gary Ardill for this information.  Many people prefer to ride their motorcycles to and from work, because they are more economic, as well as just getting the pleasure of being outdoors.  We highly recommend that if they do so, they add a high visibility vest over their regular safety gear and work clothes in order to be seen by drivers. pb

 
General Safety Issues

MAKE EVERY MONTH MOTORCYCLE SAFETY MONTH (GUEST POST)

It’s not only bikers who need a reminder to drive with caution during Motorcycle Safety Month. Each May, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration promotes the event, a special observance that resonates with the families of riders across the country. Motorcyclists still suffer injuries at an alarming rate and are 35 times more likely to die from their crash-related injuries than car accident victims, Live Free Ride Alive reported. Motorcycle collision injuries have been on the rise in recent years (from 120,000 injuries in 2001 to a whopping 175,000 in 2008), according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The number of motorcycles currently in use in the U.S. has continued to climb, but the number of appropriately-trained riders has not – and that means a greater potential for accidents to happen every single day.

 

Branded Nemesis Website - motorcyclePhoto Credit: Flickr.

Safety on a motorcycle requires everyone to share the road. Unfortunately, as many riders would confirm, other motorists on the road often don’t drive cautiously enough around motorcycles. In the case of many collisions, drivers report that they didn’t even see the motorcyclist until the accident occurred. They may tailgate, with or without realizing it, or they may intentionally or accidentally cut off motorcyclists. Sadly, no biker can predict what another driver may do, especially if that driver does not even notice them.

So many variables that can lead to an accident are beyond a motorcyclist’s control. That’s why it’s imperative that bikers take control of the situation as much as possible – and it all starts with the right training.

Training Matters – Before You Ever Get on a Bike

More people than ever are showing interest in motorcycle safety courses – and not a moment too soon. In the past several years, motorcycle injuries and fatalities have increased significantly across the United States. In the cases of both fatal and non-fatal injuries, young riders have historically been the most at-risk, with the 20- to 24-year-old group sustaining the most injuries, the CDC reported. The next youngest age group, 25- to 29-year-olds, comes in second in terms of likelihood of suffering injuries.

What’s startling is that so many of these injured victims were not qualified to be riding these bikes at all. As many as 21 percent of motorcycle operators involved in collisions have no license to drive a motorcycle, according to the infographic “How Dangerous Are Motorcycles, Really?” “All bikers… should have either a motorcycle endorsement on their driver’s licenses or separate motorcycle licenses,” reported NorthJersey.com, but “of New Jersey’s 6 million licensees who ride big bikes, roughly 5 percent have such credentials.” Though most of us probably wouldn’t get behind the wheel of a car without being appropriately licensed, motorcycles are seen as such a recreational vehicle that many regard it as perfectly sensible to take a joyride, even knowing that it’s a class of vehicles associated with collisions and death.

Branded Nemesis Website - motorcycle accidentPhoto Credit: Flickr.

This is where training programs come into play. From learning the basics to honing existing skills and developing new abilities, these classes strengthen an individual’s capabilities to allow for a safer ride. Working with qualified instructors helps riders retrain themselves to avoid bad habits and offers a chance to connect with fellow bikers of a similar skill level. Training programs are both hands-on and informative, and the confidence these courses instill in riders and their families is priceless. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers classes beginning with Learning-to-Ride and going all the way up.

Teaching an Old Hog New Tricks

Don’t think it’s just fresh-faced kids who need to worry about motorcycle safety. Even experienced riders could stand to drive a little more safely – in fact, seasoned bikers may be especially vulnerable to suffering fatal injuries in a collision. “There has been a dramatic jump in the number of deaths among motorcycle riders age 40 and older in recent years, reported TrafficSafety.org. Older motorcycle riders, who account for an increasingly larger proportion of all motorcyclists, now account for about half of all motorcycle rider fatalities.”

Perhaps this change is due to the physical aging process, with eyesight and reaction time often decreasing and physical resiliency becoming ever more difficult to find. Perhaps it’s a case of believing that experience alone is in some measure protective, when in fact neither skills nor sheer experience is enough to prevent an accident from occurring when hazardous circumstances occur. Regardless, research published in journal Injury Prevention shows that, “older adults involved in motorcycle crashes are prone to more severe injuries than younger adults” – and that means it is even more important for these experienced riders to prevent accidents from occurring.

“We all know that our motorcycles run best with an occasional tune-up,” wrote the American Motorcyclist Association. “Well, the same is true for riders. Whether you’ve been riding two years or more than 20, it doesn’t hurt to get some safety training so you’re prepared to handle hazards.” The organization encourages even the most proficient bikers to refresh their skills during a single-day class through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Experienced RiderCourse for advanced riders.

Easiest Way to Stay Safe on a Motorcycle

Learning to ride a motorcycle can be a challenge. Navigating the streets safely from your bike isn’t always easy, especially when you’re surrounded by vehicles that far outweigh yours. The one easy part is wearing the proper safety gear, especially on your head.

Branded Nemesis Website - motorcycle helmetWho says motorcycle helmets can’t look cool? They can be almost as individual as you are. Just make sure your helmet is approved by the Department of Transportation. Photo Credit: Flickr.

Helmets are probably the most important piece of safety gear you can wear. Protecting your head is of the utmost importance. A helmet can make the difference between dying from head trauma and surviving a brain injury and recovering to continue living your life. Modern helmets do not limit a rider’s vision or hearing, according to the NHTSA, and some states require their use while riding. Wearing helmets can save lives.

Safety Is Everyone’s Business – and Everyone’s Responsibility

Why do (or should) motorists care if bikers wear helmets? Why should states be allowed to pass laws mandating protective headgear? Because at the core, safety on the road is everyone’s responsibility.

Approximately 80 percent of all motorcycle accidents result in injuries, according to TrafficSafety.org. That’s a scary statistic, especially when you consider that the rate of injuries in car accidents is only one-quarter of that number, at 20 percent. Anyone involved in a motorcycle crash has a significantly higher likelihood of being injured or killed than they do of walking away unscathed – and that very possibility may be enough to give riders and their spouses, parents, children, siblings, and best friends nightmares. A motorcycle accident is nothing short of a trauma for everyone involved.

Whether or not cyclists wear helmets isn’t a personal choice that impacts an individual alone, but instead a larger concern that can create loss within a community and drain taxpayers’ bank accounts. Each year, the financial cost of motorcycle collisions reaches an average $12,000,000,000, the CDC reported. When a victim doesn’t have sufficient insurance to cover the cost of treating the type of acute injuries that are unfortunately all too common in motorcycle accidents, that emergency care to save (or attempt to save) the victim’s life must still be paid for – and the cost often comes out of public funds, at least in part. Helmets decrease the severity of brain injuries, which are among the most expensive injuries to care for, and by this virtue alone, they have the potential to save every taxpayer from spending additional, hard-earned money.

Economic costs are not, of course, the primary concern. Over the duration of a nearly 20 year career, I’ve seen the damage accident victims sustain and the life-changing effects these injuries have on my clients’ futures. I know how serious the consequences of an accident can be for individuals, families, and communities. It doesn’t matter if one motorcyclist says that he or she knows the risks of riding without a helmet, or riding while intoxicated, or riding without proper training and licensure – no individual reserves the right to create unnecessary dangers on the roadways.

This May, make it a point to drive a little more cautiously out of awareness for Motorcycle Safety Month and respect for those who have lost their lives in a motorcycle collision. Whether you drive a motorcycle, a passenger car, or a truck, you have the opportunity to make your community a safer place to drive. Wear your safety gear, whether that means a helmet or a seat belt. Share the road. Give other vehicles plenty of space, and stay alert. It doesn’t matter what seat you’re sitting in – you have the opportunity to “look twice, save a life.” 

As a beloved international pastime, motorcycles have a special place in our history, our media, and – for those who ride or love someone who rides – our lives. Sadly, it’s not all about the feel of the wind in your hair (especially since you’re supposed to wear a helmet). Motorcycle riding can be a hazardous mode of transportation and exceptionally dangerous hobby, but by reminding both motorcyclists and operators of other motor vehicles how important it is to drive with caution, organizations and agencies hope that they can reduce the number of injuries and fatalities not only during Motorcycle Safety Month, but all year long. If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident, call (800) 813-7033 today for help securing the compensation you deserve and getting your life back on track.

A motorcycle collision can cause some of the most serious injuries possible, from head trauma to spinal cord damage, severed limbs to internal organ injuries. If you or a loved one has suffered in a motorcycle crash and you believe someone else’s careless behavior contributed to the collision, get the help you deserve. Call Console & Hollawell’s motorcycle accident attorneys today at (800) 455-2746 for a free consultation.

Sent by Nina Nowalkowski

Eye Protection, General Safety Issues, Head Protection, High Visibility Safety, Protective Clothing

SAFETY TIPS FOR TWO-WHEELERS!

 

The Month of May recognizes two types of riders: first, Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and second, Bike Month.  We felt that this would be a good time to feature both forms of riding,  and the safety factors involved to keep all cyclists safe on the roads. 

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) supports Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.  Temperatures are on the rise and motorcyclists and bicyclists are taking to the roads.  This is the time to remind all drivers to share the highways and streets.  The League of American Bicyclists sponsors Bike Month. This year Bike to Work Week is May 14-18, (so think about it), and Bike to Work Day is Friday, May 18th.  The inaugural Bike to School Day is May 9, 2012.  This is a chance to celebrate the unique power of the bicycle and the many reasons we ride.  Regardless of your reason to ride – commuting to work or school, saving money or time, preserving your health or the environment, exploring your community –  get involved in Bike Month, and possibly recruit more people in your community to ride bikes, as well! 

First, we want to furnish safety tips for bicycle riders; however, many of them apply to motorcyclists, as well. 

  • Follow the rules of the road.
  • Ride with traffic and obey the same laws as motorists.
  • Use the rightmost lane that heads in the direction that you are traveling.
  • Always look back and use hand and arm signals to indicate your intention to stop, merge, or turn.
  • Obey all traffic control devices, such as stop signs, lights, and lane markings.
  • Be visible.
  • Ride where drivers can see you.
  • Wear brightly colored clothing at all times.
  • At night, use a white front light and red rear light or reflector.  Wear reflective tape or clothing.
  • Be Predictable.
  • Ride in a straight line and don’t swerve between parked cars.
  • Do not ride on the sidewalk.
  • Make eye contact with motorists to let them know you are there.
  • Anticipate conflicts.
  • Be aware of traffic around you and be prepared to take evasive action.
  • Be extra alert at intersections.
  • Learn braking and turning techniques to avoid crashes.
  • Wear a helmet.
  • Make sure that the helmet fits on top of your head, not tipped back or forward.
  • After a crash or any impact that affects your helmet, visible or not, replace it immediately. 

Are you aware that over two-thirds of vehicle-motorcycle accidents are caused by drivers, not motorcyclists, and lead to more serious injuries and deaths?  The main reason is that drivers tend to look for other vehicles and don’t notice cyclists until it is too late.  There are no seatbelts on motorcycles, of course, so a rider can easily be thrown off in an accident.  Here are some safety tips for motorcyclists:

  • Practice defensive riding.  Avoid riding in blind spots, use turn signals, and extra caution when passing a vehicle.
  • Position yourself to be seen.  Lane placement will help you see further and others see you.
  • Protective eyewear and protective clothing will serve as a buffer from the impact of an accident.
  • Wear a helmet even if it is not required in your state.  Generally speaking, those who wear a helmet suffer far less head injuries and/or are less seriously injured. 

Last, but not least, here are some safety tips for drivers of automobiles and trucks:

  • Be aware of motorcycles and bicycles at intersections and when they may be making a left turn or changing lanes.
  • Anticipate a rider’s maneuver: obstructions that you do not notice may be deadly for a rider.
  • Don’t follow too closely behind a motorcycle; allow plenty of room. 
  • Be courteous to bicycle riders.
  • Be mindful that motorcyclists and bicyclists have the same rights and privileges as other drivers. 

Increased safety will result in increased awareness.  Drive friendly!  Let’s make it a safe summer for everyone.

 

Source: League of American Bicyclists; NHTSA

Uncategorized

MOTORCYCLE SAFETY

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Since March 1973, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) has set internationally recognized standards of excellence in motorcycle rider education and training.

The MSF works with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), state governments, the military and other organizations to improve motorcyclist education, training and operator licensing.  The MSF is a national, not-for-profit organization sponsored by the U.S. manufacturers and distributors of BMW, BRP, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, KTM, Piaggio/Vespa, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory and Yamaha motorcycles.

To enhance the enjoyment of motorcycling, MSF recommends that riders:

  • Get trained and licensed.
  • Wear protective gear.
  • Ride unimpaired.
  • Ride within your limits.
  • Be a lifelong learner.

Motorists’ failure to detect and recognize motorcycles in traffic is the predominant cause of accidents.  A critical factor in avoiding these accidents is conspicuity.   Motorcycle headlamps should be on at all times, even in the daytime.

Times were when motorcyclists wore all black; however, studies have shown that by wearing reflective or fluorescent clothing, risk of a crash was reduced by 37%, by using headlamps all the time, the risk was reduced by 27%, and by wearing white helmets compared to black, the chance of collision was reduced by 24%.  Jackets come in a variety of high visibility colors: yellow, orange, and bright red.  Vests that are high visibility may be worn over jackets to increase being seen.

Other Personal Protective Equipment that should be used are:

  • Gloves – Designed specifically for riders, some have curved fingers, and seams on outer surface to help maintain grip and control.
  • Helmet – Full face are recommended.
  • Pants – Made of cordura, Kevlar, or ballistic nylon, add protection and are cheaper than leather, easier to maintain, waterproof, and cooler in hot weather.
  • Quality jackets – Designed of same fibers, and contain foam padding.  May have special padding for elbows, spine, and shoulders.
  • Boots – Very lightweight, though tough.  Should have rubber soles.  Include reinforced and plastic caps on ankles and toe area.
  • Goggles/Helmet Visor:  – Protects eyes.
  • Earplugs – Protect from wind noise.o    Airbag System technology is now available in fitted jackets and vests.

Source: MSF, Wikipedia