Summer is around the corner, and the warm weather is coming even more quickly! This naturally means that there will be more people outside, which also holds true for motorcycle riders.
Summer typically means that the roads will be filled with people going out on day trips or vacations. Of course, this also means that if you ride a motorcycle, you may have an increased risk of getting into an accident. However, knowing that there is an increased risk of a crash can help drivers and riders alike ensure they take precautions to avoid such events.
More People on the Road
During the summer, more people are on the road, which means you should take extra care while on your motorcycle. As a driver, it is especially true to drive cautiously, as motorcycle riders are especially at risk for sustaining severe injuries if accidents occur.
There are more motorcycle accidents in the months of June, July, and August than during the rest of the year. Sadly, that means there are also more fatalities, considering that motorcycle crashes are nearly 30 times more deadly than regular vehicular accidents. [source?]
Summer Factors That Increase the Risk of Motorcycle Accidents
Unfortunately, along with the warmer weather, there are other factors the summer months bring about that can increase the risk of motorcycle accidents occurring. Such factors include:
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A greater amount of traffic and congestion due to people taking road trips and vacations
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More teen drivers on the road
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More road construction being performed
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More motorcycles on the road
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Increased drinking and driving, especially during holidays like the Fourth of July
In general, people riding on motorcycles have a much greater risk of being hit while on the road compared to those in cars and other large vehicles, due to their naturally thin profile.
Measures to Take to Protect Yourself
Unfortunately, not all drivers take the precautions they should to prevent accidents. Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye, and even looking down at a text for a second can end disastrously.
The following measures can help to keep you safer during the summer, or any time of year, when you hit the road on your motorcycle:
Wear protective gear: Although the summer is the hottest time of year, it’s important to wear protective gear while going out on your motorcycle. This includes a motorcycle helmet, long pants, and a shirt with long sleeves. You may even want to wear a leather jacket or vest to better protect you if your bike skids out.
Avoid lane splitting: Although it’s not illegal to split lanes, it could be a dangerous practice and increase your risk of a crash if other drivers are not paying attention. Remember that if you can’t see a driver in his side mirror, he or she probably can’t see you.
Be more alert: Always be on high alert while riding your motorcycle during the summer. Operate your bike defensively and anticipate that cars cannot see you. This can help you to spot potential dangers before they happen so you can avoid them.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident in the 4 States Area, you need an experienced personal injury attorney who will fight to protect your rights and help you seek fair compensation for your injuries against those responsible.
Contact Johnson, Vorhees & Martucci at (833) 600-0125 for a free consultation.
