The Schupak Law Firm HomeTips for Preventing Motorcycle Injuries
- If you ride a motorcycle, always wear a helmet. Helmets are your best defense against serious and fatal brain injuries.
- In addition to your helmet, wear eye and face protection. Many helmets have built-in visors or other face guards. Wear long pants, gloves, boots, and a durable long-sleeved jacket.
- Get licensed. All states require a motorcycle license.
- Never drink alcohol before operating a motorcycle.
- Follow all the rules of the road. Don't speed-40 percent of motorcyclists who died in crashes were speeding.
- Watch for hazards on the road, such as large cracks, holes, and bumps. Keep an eye out for vehicles coming from driveways and side streets
- Make sure your headlight is on every time you ride. (This is a law in most states.)
- Don't let anyone ride with you until you are skilled at riding in all kinds of conditions.
- If you're a new rider, take a motorcycle riders' course. To locate a course near you, call 1-800-446-9227.
- When passengers ride with you, they must wear a helmet and protective gear.
- Insist that passengers sit behind you on the motorcycle.
- Make sure passengers' feet can reach the footrests. Insist that they keep their feet on the footrests at all times, even when you stop.
- Don't let passengers get on the motorcycle until after you start it.
- Tell your passengers to lean with you when you turn.
- Insist that passengers hold on to your waist all the time.
- Instruct passengers to keep their legs away from the muffler to avoid burns.
- Ask that passengers limit their movement and talking.
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