May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and The Daspit Law Firm would like to remind all residents throughout Texas about the importance of making safety a priority when riding a motorcycle or sharing the road with riders.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle riders face increased risks of suffering injuries or death in auto accidents as compared to motorists in passenger vehicles. For example, the NHTSA reports that while motorcycles make up only 3% of vehicles on the road, they account for 14% of all traffic deaths.

Here are a few essential motorcycle safety tips:

1. If you are interested in getting a motorcycle license, take a certified motorcycle rider education course. These courses teach you the basics of motorcycle safety, as well as skills that can help protect you from negligent or careless motorists, including crucial defensive riding skills.
2. Become comfortable with your motorcycle and learn how to properly operate it before hitting the open road. Remember that bikes can vary in power and handling and that getting a feel for your bike in an open and controlled area, like a parking lot, can be helpful. It is also a good idea to practice riding skills in poor weather conditions.
3. Before you ride, make sure your bike is in good working order. You can check tire pressure, brakes, headlights, turn signals, and fluid levels.
4. Texas only requires riders under the age of 21 to wear safety helmets, but it is still wise to wear an approved helmet that meets federal safety standards. Head injuries are common in motorcycle accidents, and safety helmets are crucial to avoiding and minimizing these serious injuries.
5. Statistics show that rider impairment is a common factor behind motorcycle accidents. Protect yourself and others by riding sober. Alcohol, drugs, and prescription medications can severely affect your ability to control your bike, balance, and ability to spot and react to potential dangers.

While motorcycle safety is important for all riders, every motorist on the road should also make the effort to be vigilant when motorcyclists are nearby. Our legal team would like to remind everyone about safely sharing our roads and to always make safety the number 1 priority when behind the wheel.

If you have questions about motorcycle accidents and personal injury claims, contact The Daspit Law Firm for a FREE consultation. Our firm serves victims and families throughout Texas.