September 21, 2020 | Motorcycle Accident
Owning and operating a motorcycle can be a fun and exhilarating experience for those in West Virginia. However, motorcycle accidents can result in severe injuries for cyclists, and these injuries can lead to long-term disabilities. Safety should be on the top of every motorcyclist’s mind every time they get on their bike to ride. The best way to stay safe is to take steps to prevent motorcycle accidents from occurring in the first place. While a motorcyclist will not be able to control the actions of other drivers around them, these steps can help prevent many injuries from occurring.
Most people understand that riding a motorcycle can be dangerous. However, there are a few basic things that every motorcyclist can do to stay safe on their vehicle.
All motorcyclists in West Virginia are required to wear DOT-approved helmets. Helmets save lives by protecting riders from both traumatic brain injuries and open head wounds. In addition to helmets, motorcyclists should wear clothing appropriate for riding the cycle, including long sleeves and pants.
The faster you operate your motorcycle, the less time you have to see and react to other vehicles, potential hazards on the roadway, or debris. Motorcyclists should never go above the posted speed limit, and they should use judgment to know when it may be necessary to travel slower than the posted speed limit. This is particularly true if the roadways are wet or icy.
Motorcyclists are often the victims of rear-end collisions at intersections. This is often the case when a motorcyclist stops at crosswalks or stops to allow an animal to pass. If you are a motorcyclist and are about to come to a stop in an unexpected location, pull over to the side of the lane and flash your brake light several times.
This practice is often called lane splitting, and it is illegal in West Virginia. While it may be tempting to travel between vehicles to save time or to get to the front of the line at a stoplight, other drivers will not expect this behavior, and this could cause unexpected accidents.
Regardless of what type of vehicle you are operating, drinking and driving is incredibly dangerous. This is especially true for motorcycle operators, as alcohol significantly slows reaction time and impaired judgment.
You need to ensure that your motorcycle is in excellent running condition, as this will help reduce the risk of a crash. You should perform regular maintenance on the engine, brakes, tires, headlights, and turn signals.
While it is okay to share a lane with another motorcycle, you should never share the lane with another passenger vehicle.
Motorcyclists should always be on the lookout for potential hazards in or around the roadway, including other vehicles, trees, limbs, potholes, pedestrians, animals, etc.
If you or somebody you love has been injured in a motorcycle crash caused by the careless or negligent actions of somebody else, speak to a motorcycle accident attorney in Martinsburg immediately. A skilled injury attorney in Martinsburg, West Virginia will be able to help you obtain maximum compensation for your claim. Contact Manchin Ferretti Injury Law today to learn more.
