NHTSA Encourages Safer Motorcycle Riding during Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
presented by: Gary Massey
Motorcycles offer riders an exhilarating experience unlike any other vehicle; unfortunately, they also present many dangers to those who choose to ride them. As such, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has declared May as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month across the nation. Through this, the NHTSA hopes to promote rider safety and make other drivers focus on the safety of motorcyclists they share the road with every day.
Tennessee Motorcycle Crash InjuryBecause of the much more favorable weather, summer brings out many more motorcyclists and drivers should be on the lookout for motorcycles and understand how they can both help and hurt motorcyclists with their actions. There were 4,502 motorcyclist fatalities in 2010 according to the NHTSA, and motorcyclists are 25 times more likely to die in a crash than passenger vehicle occupants and five times more likely to be injured.
To help reduce these serious statistics, the NHTSA encourages car drivers and motorcyclists alike to practice safe habits, including:
Never operate a motor vehicle while distracted or drunk;
Respect the traffic rights of motorcyclists, they have the same rights as cars;
A motorcycle and car should not share a lane, motorcycles need room to maneuver safely;
Drivers should be on the constant lookout for motorcycles, as their small size makes them difficult to spot;
Motorcyclists should always wear a high quality helmet and riding gear to protect them as much as possible in the event of a crash;
Both vehicles should signal before turning or changing lanes; and
Give extra space when following a motorcycle, as their stopping time is different than cars.
Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month should help many drivers and motorcyclists stay safe in Tennessee this month and beyond, but negligent acts can still occur which may endanger the lives of motorcyclists everywhere. A skilled Tennessee motorcycle accident lawyer with Massey & Associates, P.C. will ensure any negligent parties are held liable for the collision and will help you obtain the compensation you need to recover from your injuries. For a consultation on your case, call us today at (423) 396-0720.
Gary Massey, Jr., is a well-known courtroom advocate practicing law in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Gary is a native of Tennessee who began practicing law in 1998. He graduated from Cumberland School of Law where he was ranked in the top 3% of his class and was an editor of the Cumberland Law Review.
