A Summer Spike in Motorcycle, Bike Accidents

The wind in your hair and being one with the road – for some nothing beats changing up the car for a motorcycle or a bicycle during the balmy summer months.

But along with this open air freedom comes more risks.  According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, sixty percent of motorcyclist deaths in 2015 occurred during May through September with fatalities peaking in July.

Both motorcycles and bikes are less stable and less visible than cars and when they crash, riders lack the protection of an enclosed vehicle, so they’re more likely to be injured or killed.   As a result, riders of these two-wheeled transports must be extra aware to keep safe from injury or worse.

In response to the dangers of cyclists and car drivers sharing increasingly crowded roadways, agencies like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have published guidelines that drivers, motorcyclists, bicyclists and even pedestrians can follow to ensure that everyone gets to work — or the beach — safely this summer. Read More

Here are some highlights to help keep danger at bay:

Use Your Senses: Avoid earbuds so you can hear the traffic and keep an eagle eye out for road hazards like potholes, uneven pavement and out-of-control drivers so you can react defensively and appropriately.

Use Your Noggin: Wearing a helmet is the law for motorcyclists and children on bikes in California and just good sense for adult bicyclists. http://saferoads.org/issues/motorcycle-helmets/ This  report from Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety states the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates helmets saved the lives of 1,630 motorcyclists in 2013. Read More

Signal, Signal, Signal: For those on motorcycles, this is one of the easiest ways to let others around you know what you’re doing. If you’re on a bike, learn your hand signals. Click Here

Be Seen: Reflective clothing can help motorists see you at night, while fluorescent clothing can help others see you more clearly during the daylight hours.

Think Like a Motorist: Don’t run red lights. Wait at signals. Turn from a turning lane. Don’t tailgate. Don’t text. Everyone on the road from cars to bikes should be following the same rules for a safer driving experience.

Ride safely!