How To Stay Safe While Riding A Motorcycle Alone

July 10, 2019

For a motorcycle enthusiast, nothing is more alluring than the call of the open road. Riding solo carries a sense of adventure. It also invites tragedy.

The National Highway Safety Administration reports motorcyclists in a crash:

• Are 35 times more likely than car drivers to be killed
• Are about eight times more likely to be injured.

In 2017, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation reported 185 motorcycle fatalities and 3,052 injuries.

Those injuries include:

• Head injuries, even if they were wearing a helmet.
• Road rash: Severe skin damage caused by sliding on asphalt.
• Broken bones, including arms, legs, ribs, hips and other body parts.
• Other arm injuries, from sprains to nerve damage and amputation.
• Other leg and foot injuries, from amputations to burn injuries due to contact with the motorcycle’s engine.
• Internal injuries, including organ damage and failure, and internal bleeding.

Protect Yourself

Here are some tips on how you can protect yourself:

• Plan your destination, which will help keep you focused.
• Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
• If you are not following others, you may not know the sharpness of an upcoming curve. Slow down, focus on the road one-quarter mile ahead and smoothly turn.
• You serve as your own lookout when riding alone, so pay attention to potential hazards.
• At some point, you are going to have to ride over gravel, mud, minor flooding, ice, snow and so on. Practice with a friend or attend a professional off-road program.
• Learn how to pick up a dropped bike by yourself.
• Carry a note in your wallet with instructions for people who may find you following an accident. First responders will need to contact your immediate family and primary medical caregiver.

Put Yourself on the Road to Recovery 

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, it is usually due to another driver’s reckless behavior. They may be distracted by talking or texting on their phones, being overly aggressive, under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or simply tired. Regardless, you’ve likely suffered major injuries. You could be facing a long recovery period or could be crippled for life. You may be unable to work or provide for your family while bills pile up. The other motorist may be blaming you for the crash. An insurance company will pressure you with a lowball financial offer because they know you are desperate.

The Pennsylvania motorcycle accident attorneys at Villari, Giannone and Matteo, know better. They know most motorcyclists are cautious and obey the rules of the road. Based in Philadelphia and also serving New Jersey, they will thoroughly investigate your accident in pursuit of justice and a fair settlement for you and your family. They work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless they win your case. Contact them today for a free consultation.