MOTORCYCLE SAFETY - SECOND OF A TWO-PARTER

From: New York attorney Gary E. Rosenberg (personal injury and accident attorney and lawyer; serving Brooklyn Queens Bronx; Brooklyn Accident Attorney)

What are the causes of motorcycle accidents? Typically, lack of basic riding experience and skills, rider's failure to handle a powerful motorcycle, failure of a rider to understand that bikes can be unstable at slow speeds, refusal to wear protective gear (proper clothing and eye protection increase riding comfort and can reduce the occurrence of serious personal injury in the event of a crash), and failure to drive defensively.

Motorcycle accident prevention requires care and specific braking and cornering skills

About 50% fatal single-vehicle motorcycle crashes involve drinking and riding. Operating a motorcycle while under the influence of alcohol limits an operator's ability to ride safely.

Motorcycles require more skill and coordination to operate than cars. It is estimated that 33% of riders killed in crashes with cars, trucks or buses, are not licensed or just have an automobile driver's license without license to operate a bike. By riding without a motorcycle license, riders are bypassing the only method they and state licensing agencies have to ensure they have the knowledge and skill needed to safely and skillfully operate a motorcycle.

Select a motorcycle that fits. A motorcyclist should be able to touch the ground with both feet when astride the vehicle. If you will be carrying a passenger, make sure the motorcycle you select has a passenger seat as well as footrests (footpegs) for the passenger.

Check the location of the controls. Make sure you can reach and operate them easily and comfort

Functional Requirements: Buy the power you need, but only as much as you can handle safely. Large motorcycles are heavy, and you must be strong enough to push it, or pick it up if it falls over. But smaller bikes (e.g., a 125cc machine) may not have the speed, performance and ride you'll need if you plan to travel long distances.

Consider the primary use of your bike. Don't buy a "trail" bike for highway use. Similarly, don't buy a "highway" bike if most of your riding will be off -road. Some motorcycles are built especially for trail use, with special tires and suspension. Other motorcycles have special characteristics for highway use, such as tires designed to grip pavement, and more powerful braking systems. If you have dual requirements, combination cycles are available that make a compromise between road and trail riding.