Warmer weather and bluer skies means one thing is certain – more motorcyclists will head back out on the road this month. May is officially designated Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, and the attorneys at Dale E. Anstine encourage both motorcyclists and automobile drivers to share the road and be safe this season by keeping in mind the following facts and tips:
Same Road. Same Rights.
Motorcyclists have all the same rights and privileges as any motor vehicle driver on the roadway. They have to follow the same traffic rules, including obeying all traffic signage and directives, and keeping safe distances from other vehicles/bikes.
ATGATT (All the gear. All the time.)
While laws vary from state to state on what motorcyclists are required to wear on a ride, it is encouraged to wear “all the gear, all the time.” Full face helmets, leather jackets, riding pants, and motorcycle boots and gloves can help keep riders safe in case of an accident. There are many reasons riders choose to not follow ATGATT (too hot, bulky, restrictive, etc.), but those excuses may not matter when accidents occur. It’s ultimately the individual choice of a rider, but we encourage safe riding at all times.
Double Check and Check Again
Many motorcycle accidents that involve other motor vehicles occur when a rider is caught in the blind spot of a driver. If you are on the road, take extra precaution when changing lanes or making turns to ensure that a motorcyclist isn’t in a blind spot. If you are a rider, try to minimize the amount of time you are in a motorist’s blind spot without exceeding posted speed limits. An extra glance may prevent an accident!
As Motorcycle Safety Awareness month starts, we want to remind everyone in our communities that riders will be jumping back on their bikes to enjoy the onset of riding season. Keep these important safety tips top of mind, and let’s help to keep everyone safe!
If you or a loved one are injured, whether due to a motorcycle accident or a personal injury caused by other means, get an experienced accident attorney on your side to protect your rights. Reach out to Dale E. Anstine today to learn more. With offices in York and Gettysburg, our team is proud to protect the injured across the Central Pennsylvania community. Consultations are always free, we’re available 24/7, and there’s no fee unless we win for you.