Pay attention! As a motorcycle rider, safety should be a top priority whenever you are on the road. Distracted driving crashes are a fact of life that even a defensive driving course can’t rule out. Unfortunately, with the rise of distracted driving, motorcyclists are at greater risk of getting involved in accidents caused by drivers who are not paying attention. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2019, distracted driving was a factor in 3,142 traffic fatalities in the United States. This article will discuss motorcycle safety in the age of distracted driving and provide tips to help you stay safe from a distracted driver car accident.

Understanding Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is the cause of many a fatal accident in the USA. It involves any activity that takes a driver’s attention away from the road and is particularly prevalent among young drivers. This can include anything from texting or talking on the phone to eating, drinking, or adjusting the radio. According to the NHTSA, there are three main types of distractions: visual, manual, and cognitive. Visual distractions take your eyes off the road, manual distractions take your hands off the wheel, and cognitive distractions take your mind off driving.

Distracted driving is a serious problem that affects all motorists, but it is particularly dangerous for motorcycle riders. Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than other vehicles on the road, which makes it easier for distracted drivers to overlook them. Additionally, motorcycles are more vulnerable to distracted driving car accidents and are more likely to result in serious injuries or fatalities.

Teenage Motorcycle and Driving Safety Statistics

Teenagers are at an increased risk of getting involved in motorcycle accidents due to their lack of experience and risk-taking behavior. In this article, we will discuss teenage motorcycle and distracted driving safety statistics and examine the factors that contribute to motorcycle accidents involving teenagers.

Teenage Motorcycle and Driving Safety Statistics

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2019, 16% of all motor vehicle fatalities involved drivers between the ages of 16 and 20. Additionally, in 2019, 14% of all motorcyclist fatalities were riders between the ages of 16 and 20. These statistics highlight teenagers’ increased risk of becoming distracted drivers when operating a motorcycle or a motor vehicle.

Factors Contributing to Teenage Motorcycle Accidents

1. Lack of Experience

One of the primary factors contributing to teenage motorcycle accidents is a lack of experience. Teenagers are often new to driving or riding a motorcycle and may not have the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the road safely. Lack of experience can lead to poor judgment, inadequate braking, and failure to anticipate hazards associated with overall highway safety.

2. Risk-Taking Behavior

Teenagers and young drivers are more likely to engage in risk-taking behavior, such as speeding or riding without a helmet, which increases their risk of motorcycle accidents. Additionally, peer pressure and the desire to fit in may cause teenagers to take risks while riding or driving. (Source, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.)

3. Distractions

We already know that teenagers are famous for taking unnecessary risks like ignoring the speed limit. Distracted driving is a growing problem, especially among teenagers playing with electronic devices. Texting or talking on the phone, eating, and adjusting the radio are all common distractions that can take a teenager’s attention away from the road. Distracted driving increases the risk of being involved in a motorcycle accident, as it reduces a teenager’s ability to react to sudden hazards.

4. Impaired Driving

Teenagers are more likely to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, which impairs their judgment and reaction time. Impaired driving is a leading cause of motorcycle accidents caused by driving distractions involving teenagers and increases the risk of serious injuries or fatalities. Teen drivers and riders are also more likely to engage in cell phone use while navigating the roads. Their focus should be on the handlebars or steering wheel and not making phone calls or searching for their favorite radio station.

5. Lack of Protective Gear

Teenagers are less likely to wear protective gear such as helmets, gloves, and protective clothing like jackets when riding a motorcycle. Failure to wear the right gear increases the risk of serious injuries in the event of an accident. Below are some other tips for riders.

Tips for Motorcycle and Driving Safety

1. Get Proper Training

Proper training is essential for safe motorcycle and driving practices. Teenagers, in particular, should take a motorcycle safety course or a driver’s education course to learn the skills and techniques necessary to stay safe on the road. This will also help reduce distractions that cause so many problems while on two wheels losing riders full control.

2. Avoid Distractions

Teenagers should avoid distractions while driving or riding a motorcycle. This includes not using their phone, eating, or engaging in any other activity that takes their attention away from the road and watching the road! Take care when entering curves. Always take care to cross a road under construction and look for trenches, wet paint that can get slippery, and debris like pebbles and nails.

3. Follow Traffic Laws

Following traffic laws is essential to staying safe on the road. This includes obeying speed limits, using turn signals, following the rules of the road, and “ride on the road.” Don’t use an electronic gadget while driving. The safer you’re at the risk of your own safety, the more dangerous maneuvers you’ll likely take.

4. Practice Defensive Driving

Defensive driving is a technique that involves being aware of your surroundings and anticipating potential hazards. Teenagers should practice defensive driving to reduce their risk of being involved in a motorcycle accident.

5. Avoid Impaired Driving

Teenagers should never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Impaired driving increases the risk of motorcycle accidents and can result in serious injuries or fatalities.

6. Limit Passengers

Teenagers should never ride with a passenger. Even adults should limit the number of passengers in their vehicles or on their motorcycles to one passenger. Too many passengers can be distracting and increase the risk of being involved in an accident.

7. All The Gear All The Time (ATGATT)

Wearing protective gear such as helmets, gloves, and jackets is essential for reducing the risk of serious injuries in the event of an accident. Check each product out. Make sure it matches your needs. (helmet, riding gloves, riding boots, chaps, etc.)

Wearing protective gear is one of the most important things you can do to stay safe on your motorcycle. This includes a helmet, gloves, boots, and a jacket or suit. Protective gear can help protect you from serious injuries in the event of an accident.

8. Be Visible

As a motorcycle rider, it is important to make yourself as visible as possible to other drivers on the road. This can include wearing bright or reflective clothing, using your headlights during the day, and positioning yourself to make it easier for other drivers to see you.

9. Stay Alert

It is important to stay alert and focused while riding your motorcycle. Avoid riding when you are tired, under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or in bad weather conditions. Be aware of your surroundings and always be prepared for unexpected situations.

10. Practice Defensive Riding

Defensive riding is a technique that involves being aware of your surroundings and anticipating potential hazards. This can include scanning the road ahead for potential hazards, maintaining a safe following distance, and being prepared to take evasive action if necessary. By practicing defensive riding, you can reduce your risk of being involved in an accident.

11. Be Prepared for Emergencies

Finally, being prepared for emergencies while riding your motorcycle is important. This includes carrying a first-aid kit, a tool kit, and a cell phone in case of an emergency. It is also a good idea to

let someone know your route and expected arrival time, so they can alert authorities if you don’t arrive as planned. Additionally, consider investing in roadside assistance or joining a motorcycle club that offers emergency assistance to its members.

Tips for Autos Sharing Roads With Motorcycle Riders

Here are some tips for other vehicle drivers. Sharing the road with motorcycle riders requires drivers to be aware of their surroundings and take appropriate precautions to avoid accidents. In this article, we will discuss tips for drivers sharing roads with motorcycle riders to ensure the safety of all road users.

1. Check Your Blind Spots

Motorcycles are smaller and can be harder to see than other vehicles, so it’s essential to check your blind spots before changing lanes or making turns. Use your mirrors and look over your shoulder to ensure there are no motorcycles in your blind spot.

2. Give Motorcycles Enough Space

Motorcycles need extra space to maneuver, so giving them enough space on the road is important. Allow at least three to four seconds of following distance, and avoid tailgating motorcycles.

3. Look Twice

It’s important to look twice before making a turn or pulling out into traffic. Motorcycles can be difficult to see, especially in heavy traffic or low light conditions, so take an extra moment to ensure there are no motorcycles nearby.

4. Use Your Turn Signals

Using your turn signals is essential for communicating your intentions to other drivers, including motorcycle riders. Always use your turn signals to indicate your intentions when changing lanes or making turns so you don’t endanger yourself or others.

5. Avoid Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents involving motorcycles. Avoid distractions such as texting, eating, or adjusting the radio, and keep your focus on the road. Awareness is key to avoiding a terrible motorcycle accident.

6. Check Intersections Carefully

Intersections are a common location for accidents involving motorcycles. Check intersections carefully and be aware of motorcycles that may be approaching from different directions.

7. Be Patient

Motorcycles can be slower than other vehicles, especially in heavy traffic or when riding in inclement weather. Be patient and avoid aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating or honking your horn. Don’t start fiddling or fumbling with your cell phone or makeup, either! Have the mindset that your life is in the balance if you don’t remain cognizant.

8. Respect Motorcyclists’ Rights

Motorcycle riders have the same rights as other drivers on the road. Treat them respectfully and give them the space to ride safely.

9. Be Prepared for Emergencies

In the event of an accident, it’s essential to be prepared to provide assistance. Keep a first-aid kit and emergency supplies in your vehicle, and be prepared to call for help if necessary.

Sharing the road with motorcycle riders requires drivers to be aware of their surroundings and take appropriate precautions to avoid accidents. By following these tips, drivers can help ensure the safety of all road users and reduce the risk of accidents involving motorcycles. Remember to check your blind spots, give motorcycles enough space, look twice, use your turn signals, avoid distractions, check intersections carefully, be patient, respect motorcyclists’ rights, and be prepared for emergencies. By working together, we can all help make the roads safer for everyone.

Conclusion

As a motorcycle rider, it is important to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings, especially in the age of distracted driving. Following the tips outlined in this article can reduce your risk of being involved in an accident and stay safe on the road. Remember to wear protective gear, stay visible, stay alert, avoid distractions, follow traffic laws, practice defensive riding, get proper training, and be prepared for emergencies. By taking these steps, you can enjoy the freedom and exhilaration of motorcycle riding while staying safe and protecting yourself from harm.

Questions? If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact a personal injury attorney experienced in motorcycle accidents to help you understand your legal options and get the compensation you deserve by dialing (213) 596-9642.