For some, riding a motorcycle is just plain fun. They enjoy the feeling of the open air on their faces and the freedom of it. But driving a motorcycle can also be very dangerous and accidents happen every day.
In the United States, motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of injury and death. If you drive a motorcycle, it is even more dangerous because you are more vulnerable, as motorcycles are less visible and less stable than cars. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2014, people died driving motorcycles 27 times more frequently than those operating other types of vehicles.
What causes motorcycle deaths?
There are a number of reasons for the high number of motorcycle deaths in the U.S. Some of these reasons include:
- Drivers not seeing motorcyclist
- Others not properly sharing the road with a motorcyclist
- Driver distraction, it can be a cell phone or other distractions
How you can prevent being in a motorcycle accident
While you cannot control how other drivers behave on the roads, there are some things you can do to try and prevent an accident, such as:
- Avoid drinking alcohol or taking drugs before riding, so you will be in control
- Obey the local traffic laws and ride responsibly
- Wear a helmet. In Tennessee, the law states that all people, no matter your age, driving and even riding must wear a helmet. This applies to those on mopeds as well. The helmets must be approved by the federal government and have the Department of Transportation (DOT) logo on the label.
- Wear protection on your arms and legs with leather or heavy denim. Boots will also protect your feet, while gloves will give you a better grip and protect your hands.
- Ensure your motorcycle is safe by checking tire pressure and hand and foot brakes. Also, check for gas or oil leaks.
The bottom line is that while there are risks involved with riding a motorcycle, there are risks when it comes to driving a car or even walking down the road. Motorcyclists have the same rights as car or truck drivers to be on the road and other motorists need to be on the lookout for motorcycles when driving.