The heat of summer is here, and motorcycle enthusiasts are taking full advantage of the season and hitting the open road. However, as the temperatures rise, the influx of motorcyclists on the roads can cause safety concerns that are important to keep in mind to protect yourself. Not only are new, less experienced motorcyclists on the road, but other drivers may be caught off guard seeing an increased number of bikers back on the road.
Today, we are sharing some of the most common motorcycle safety myths we have heard over the years and the facts to set the record straight. We hope you will implement these safety practices and not need us during the 2022 riding season. But, if you do, our experienced motorcycle lawyers will have your back and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Motorcycle Safety Myths
According to the PA Department of Transportation, in 2020, there were 3,398 motorcycle collisions in 2020, 215 of which were fatal. Looking at the statistics, you’ll discover 93.4% of all motorcycle crashes resulted in injury or death.
Implementing proper safety practices has the potential to decrease your risk of being injured or killed in an accident, which is why the motorcycle attorneys at Dale E. Anstine are here to breakdown and breakthrough common motorcycle safety myths.
Myth 1: Full-Faced Helmets Restrict Your Visibility
Many riders believe full-faced helmets restrict their visibility and choose to wear open-faced helmets instead. However, this belief is inaccurate. Full-faced helmets provide at least a 210-degree view due to safety standards put in place by the Department of Transportation. They do not impact a rider’s peripheral view like many believe. Full-faced helmets are a safer option because they protect the whole head and keep bugs, debris, and wind out of the rider’s face.
Myth 2: The Louder the Better
As the myth goes, loud pipes are said to save lives because the increased noise will not only grab the attention of other motorists, but scare animals, such as deer. However, boosting the sound is not necessarily a beneficial safety practice you can count on. Cars in front of the motorcycle will not hear the loud exhaust pipes since the sound will travel rearward.
In addition, there are other factors like radios and rolled up windows that will drown out the sound of the bike. Plus, while loud pipes could scare deer, there is no way in predicting which way they will run. Having a deer run in front of your bike unexpectedly can lead to an accident. Therefore, the safest practice is to be seen and always to be aware of your surroundings.
Myth 3: Streets are Safer Than the Interstate
Many people believe streets and urban areas are safer than interstates because traffic travels at a slower speed. However, according to a study conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 56 percent of motorcycle crashes occur on urban roadways, more specifically at intersections. Although speed limits are higher on interstates, the flow of traffic is typically smoother, the lanes are wider and there is often a barrier protecting riders from opposing traffic.
Myth 4: Avoid Using the Front Brake
Many new riders believe using the front brake will send them flying over the handlebars, but that is simply not the case. Motorcycles are designed to resist tipping forward when the front brake is applied. In fact, the front brake provides much of the bike’s braking power, so it is important to not be afraid to use it. Similar to driving a car, it is important to avoid braking too hard no matter if you are using the front or back brake.
Myth 5: If you Are About to Crash, Lay It Down
Another common myth our motorcycle accident injury lawyers in Pennsylvania have heard is to lay the bike down if a collision is about to happen. However, the last place a rider wants to end up is on the blacktop and more times than not, the rider does not have time to think about laying down their bike before an accident occurs. Therefore, the best way to deal with collisions is to drive safely, defensively, and attempt to avoid them all together.
Motorcycle Attorneys Who Have Your Back
To learn more about how you can protect yourself and your rights as a motorcyclist, check out our National Motorcycle Safety Month: Bikers, Protect Your Rights blog featuring a video by PA personal injury lawyer, Josh Anstine.
At the Law Offices of Dale E. Anstine, our priority is our clients. If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident, reach out today for your FREE consultation.
Get a specialized attorney on your side who has a full understanding of the complexities of motorcycle accidents and laws in PA. We hope you will not need us this riding season, but if you do consultations are always FREE, we are available 24/7, and there is no fee unless we win for you.