What Safety Measures Can Help Avoid Motorcycle Accidents in Colorado?

 Posted on June 28, 2019 in Personal Injury

Motorcyclists are often cast as irresponsible and reckless individuals due to their choice of transportation. While motorcycles do lack the external protection that cars have, most motorcycle riders care about safety and take the proper precautions while they are on the road. Motorcyclists make up only 3 percent of drivers in Colorado but contribute to 20 percent of fatalities on the same roads. There are factors that a motorcycle driver will not be able to control, and there are times when motorcycle accidents are unavoidable, but following laws and safety recommendations can be the difference between life and death. 

Safety Precautions 

To legally operate a motorcycle in Colorado, a driver must get a motorcycle endorsement on an already valid driver’s license. One of the biggest safety precautions motorcyclists can take is to follow the law. Road rules exist for everyone’s safety, and there are penalties to discourage recklessness. Motorcycles are not allowed to share a lane with a car or drive in between two lanes of traffic. Since car and truck drivers do not expect smaller vehicles to speed past them, doing so can create a dangerous scenario. Two motorcycles can share a lane space and ride parallel, but it is recommended to drive in a single file line. 

If you are driving safely, it is still important to assume drivers around you are not taking the same precautions. By practicing defensive driving, you can remain mindful of what is going on around you. Examples of defensive driving include:

• Minimizing distractions

• Maintaining safe distances from other vehicles

• Slowing down in poor weather

• Following the flow of traffic

• Looking ahead for hazards 

In addition to using defensive driving tactics and following the law, one of the most important things a motorcyclist can do is wear protective gear. A motorcycle has minimal protection against external forces. If you get into a collision while riding on a motorcycle, the only thing that will protect you is what you are wearing. While anyone under the age of 18 must wear a helmet while on a motorcycle, there are no other requirements for what motorcyclists must wear. However, all motorcyclists should wear an approved helmet, and motorcyclists should invest in protective gloves and rugged shoes. There is a reason motorcycle jackets are often crafted with leather, as these materials are stronger and will aid in protecting your skin. 

Contact a Fort Collins Motorcycle Accident Injury Lawyer

Even when motorcyclists take the proper safety measures and following the rules of the road, they can be seriously injured in motorcycle accidents. In many cases, these accidents are caused by the negligence of other drivers. If you have been injured in a collision, you should understand your options for pursuing compensation for your damages, including medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. The diligent legal team at Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. will review the details of your accident and build a strong case on your behalf. Contact a Larimer County motorcycle accident attorney at 970-225-2190 today to schedule a free consultation. 

Sources:

https://www.geico.com/information/safety/motorcycle/riding-tips/

https://kdvr.com/2018/08/28/motorcycle-deaths-on-the-rise-in-colorado/