Five Ways To Ride Responsibly And Reduce New Haven Motorcycle Accidents

With every type of motorized vehicle there are things you should do to be safe when utilizing this mode of transportation.  This is particularly true with the safety of motorcycle riders.  In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has some recommendations for motorcycle riders to take into account when on two wheels.  These recommendations are meant to keep riders safe and help them avoid a New Haven motorcycle accident and any ensuing injury that might occur as a result of that accident.

Before hopping on your bike to ride, the NHTSA recommends that you strap on a helmet.  While this is not required for riders in Connecticut who are over the age of 18 years old, it is highly recommended by nearly all safety experts.  It is for this reason that we also recommend riding your motorcycle with a helmet on instead of risking serious injury by skipping the helmet.

Once you’re on the road, NHTSA has some ways you should ride to make sure you are doing so responsibly and taking your safety into consideration.  When you follow these items you will be putting yourself in a good situation to enjoy the ride and arrive at your destination safely.  The NHTSA recommends the following;

1.) Know all the local traffic laws.  Motorcycle laws in particular vary from state to state, city to city and sometimes even from road to road.  Know these laws for the area you are driving in so you can follow them and keep yourself safe.  If you are unknowingly breaking a law you may also be unknowingly getting yourself involved in an accident that could cause a serious injury.

2.) Obey all traffic lights.  The same rules you may follow when you’re out for a walk apply to when you are out for a ride on your motorcycle.  If a traffic light indicates that you should stop, you should stop.  If a traffic light indicates you should yield on-coming traffic, you should do so.  Following all traffic lights will help keep you and the traffic around you safe.

3.) Leave plenty of space between you and other vehicles.  The following distance is especially important when you’re riding on a motorcycle.  A vehicle stopping short in front of you could have drastic consequences if you do not have the space to put your brakes on easily and without slamming them which might send you over your handlebars and into the emergency room.

4.) Yield to pedestrians and other vehicles as appropriate.  The NHTSA is not suggesting here that you drive timidly, but rather you will need to make split second decisions that are based on common sense and putting yourself and others whom you share the road with in a good situation to stay safe.

5.) Wear reflective motorcycle gear.  When you’re riding, being visible is key to your safety.  If you are not wearing clothing that makes you easily seen you may be putting yourself in a difficult situation and could be putting yourself at risk of getting into an accident.  Be seen and you will be much more likely to be riding safely with others on the road.

These ways to ride responsibly provided by the NHTSA will put you in a situation to keep yourself safe and avoid a New Haven motorcycle accident, but they certainly aren’t going to guarantee that you won’t get into an accident.  Once you’ve mastered these rules of the road you will be in a situation where you can consider yourself an expert rider and expert riders can navigate the streets of the city safely without hesitation.

Even if you follow all of these rules you will never be 100% safe, so if you do find yourself injured you may need to speak with an attorney who can review your situation.  Contact our office and one of our experienced attorneys will review your situation and work with you to protect your long-term interests.