Although most bikers and motorcycle aficionados know that May was officially Motorcycle Awareness Month, the fact is that motorcycle safety awareness is a year round concern. The main thrust behind Motorcycle Awareness Month is to shine a spotlight on safety issues affecting motorcycles and motorists. However, many bikers are on the road year round. Knowing how to stay safe on the roads and encouraging drivers to stay alert and aware are worthy goals every month. One of the greatest concerns about motorcycle safety is the growing trend of distracted driving. Inattentive drivers are a major issue for the motorcycling community and far too many bikers have died in accidents with distracted drivers. From the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA): “Nearly 80 percent of crashes and 65 percent of near-crashes involved some form of driver inattention within three seconds before the event. Primary causes of driver inattention are distracting activities, such as cell phone use, and drowsiness.” Common causes of motorcycle accidents in Pennsylvania also include:

• An error determining speed/judging distance
• Splitting lanes
• RWI or riding while impaired by drugs or alcohol
• Motor vehicles turning left carefully checking traffic
• Improperly trained riders
• Riders without enough experience to handle their bike
• Changing lanes unsafely
• Car doors
• Speeding
• Sudden stops
• Bad road conditions
• Motorcycle defects

Motorcycle safety awareness focuses on many other aspects of riding a motorcycle, for the rider and for the other drivers on the road. To ride safer and be safer, you can do the following:

• Do not ride while impaired
• Follow the posted speed limit
• Ride with the best safety gear possible
• Wear a proper helmet
• Always be aware of other traffic
• Share the road with courtesy
• Keep your distance while on the road
• Keep an eye out for cars turning
• Know what blind spots other vehicles have
• Never ride too close to any other vehicle
• When the traffic around you changes speed, adapt to match it
• Ride with your headlamp on
• Wear as much leather as you can
• Check your ride, regularly
• Get reflective take for your gear and bike

Safety should always be a priority. However, even the safest riders are at risk of being involved in an accident. If you or someone you know was involved in a motorcycle accident, contact an experienced attorney to help you fight for your rights. At MP2 Placidi & Parini we here to help you get the compensation you deserve after an accident.