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If the driver in front of you doesn’t see you, you’re at risk

On Behalf of | Jun 20, 2017 | blog |

Summer months bring many tourists and visitors to Tennessee. Full-time residents also take to the road in droves on their way to vacations. College and high-school students home on break often get summer jobs as well, which also leads to heavy traffic in certain areas. Many of these travelers choose motorcycles as their preferred vehicles. There’s an existing helmet law throughout the state, so all motorcycle operators are required to wear approved crash helmets while riding.

In addition to various other restrictions and laws regarding operation of two or three-wheel motorized vehicles, a good dose of common sense is always a plus while driving a motorcycle. To avoid accidents, motorcycle operators will want to be well-educated and up-to-date on safety tips, and will also want to pay close attention to traffic signs and other motorists in their vicinities.

Are you familiar with these safety tips?

The thrill of riding along a Tennessee highway in the open air on a bright summer day may be one of many reasons you choose to get from point A to point B by way of motorcycle. Since safety is of paramount importance, keeping the following tips in mind may increase your chances of avoiding collision:

  • Motorcyclists are more than five times more likely to suffer catastrophic head injuries in accidents. Aside from the fact that state law requires you to wear a safety helmet, statistics show doing so really can help protect you better.
  • Choosing a helmet that includes a face shield and adding protective eye-wear can help keep you as safe as possible regarding head and facial injuries in the event of a collision. (It also helps keep bugs out of your eyes and mouth!)
  • Although it might look cool in the movies when people fly down the road on a motorcycle wearing a pair of cut-off jeans and flip flops, with hair flying in the wind, it’s definitely best to cover your body with full-length leather clothing and boots if you plan to travel by motorcycle.
  • Many motorcyclists choose to add brightly colored reflective tape to their clothing so other motorists can easily spot them on the road.
  • Just because you can see another driver does not mean he or she sees you. Many collisions involving motorcycles are caused by other motorists who failed to check their mirrors or otherwise violated motorcyclists’ right of ways while driving.
  • Performing appropriate safety and equipment checks on your motorcycle every time you ride may help prevent disaster.

You can do everything in your power to keep yourself and your passengers safe while traveling by motorcycle. However, there’s little you can do about the actions of other drivers. If a nearby motorist is negligent or reckless behind the wheel, the chances of suffering serious injuries are high if you’re involved in a crash while riding a motorcycle. Knowing where to turn for help in such situations is often key to successful recovery.

A Tennessee personal injury attorney possesses clear understanding of all traffic laws, including those particular to motorcycles. By seeking guidance from an experienced attorney, an injured motorcyclist can pursue possible compensation for damages against any party deemed responsible for a collision.