There’s no question that motorcyclists are far more likely to be injured or killed in a traffic accident than car and truck drivers. Nationally, the fatality rate for motorcyclists was 60.03 per 100,000 registered vehicles in 2021 (the most recent year for which data are available), according to the Insurance Information Institute. This is nearly five times the rate for passenger car drivers at 12.53 per 100,000 registered vehicles.
As Greenville motorcycle accident attorneys, we’ve written plenty on the topic previously, including What to Do If You’re Hurt in a Motorcycle Accident, What Damages Can Be Claimed?, and How Motorcycle Accidents Are Different from Car Accidents. But today we’re going to look at what you can do to stay safer on the road and avoid motorcycle accidents altogether.
Top Motorcycle Safety Tips
All drivers should use turn signals, obey traffic rules, and refrain from driving when under the influence, distracted, and drowsy. In addition, motorcyclists can stay safer on the road by following these safety tips.
- Get a Motorcycle License
You need a Class M driver’s license to operate a motorcycle in South Carolina. This requires passing a road test or a motorcycle safety course to prove you know how to operate a motorcycle safely. Learn more on the SCDMV website.
- Wear a Helmet and/or Eye Protection
Only motorcyclists under 21 are required by law to wear a full-face helmet in South Carolina, but motorcyclists of all ages should wear a helmet with eye protection. Riding without eye protection means gravel, sand, dirt, etc. can get in your eye(s), which lead to an accident. Always wear eye protection.
- Avoid Lane Splitting
Lane splitting is illegal in South Carolina, as we’ve previously written about here in this blog. Not only could it get you a ticket, but it’s risky since other drivers may not see you or expect you, creating the conditions for an accident.
- Increase Visibility to Other Drivers
Low visibility to other drivers is a common factor in motorcycle accidents. Make sure other cars and trucks know you’re there by wearing reflective gear, putting reflective tape on your bike, using bright headlights even during the day, and staying out of other vehicles’ blind spots.
- Check the Weather Forecast and Plan Accordingly
Use alternative transportation or plan a different route to avoid weather that’s dangerous to drive in, such as rain, sleet, snow, or high winds.
- Ride for the Weather
If you do need or want to ride in inclement weather, adapt to it. In rain and snow, avoid sudden acceleration and sudden braking, keep your bike more upright, and increase following distance. Be aware of things that may be more slippery than usual, such as leaves, manhole covers, and painted lines.
- Keep Your Bike in Good Condition
Before going for a ride, check your tires, chain, clutch, throttle, brakes, lights, mirrors, and fuel. A safe ride starts with a safe bike.
- Give Passengers a Safety Lesson
Riding with a passenger can be fun, but it can also significantly change the way you ride. Show your passenger where hands and feet go and demonstrate how they should sit or lean when going into a turn. Finally, remind them not to make sudden movements or distract you while driving.
Call the Motorcycle Accident Attorneys at The Carolina Law Group
Have you been injured in a motorcycle accident? Give us a call here at The Carolina Law Group and tell us what happened. As experienced motorcycle accident lawyers, we know what makes motorcycle accident cases unique – and often more challenging. We will fight for your rights, build a strong case, and negotiate with the insurance company. If necessary, we are prepared to go to trial to help get you the compensation you deserve. Call us at one of the numbers below to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation today.
The Carolina Law Group has four offices in South Carolina for your convenience: Greenville (principal office; call 864.312.4444), Greer (principal office; call 864.757.5555), Spartanburg (principal office; call 864.312.4444) & West Columbia (principal office; call 803.881.1110).
Call us at one of our four offices or contact us online to schedule your free consultation with one of our attorneys. Our business hours are Monday – Thursday 8:30am – 5:30pm & Friday 8:30 am – 5 pm. Weekend and evening hours by appointment only. Our Greenville, SC law firm offers Spanish, Hindi, and Gujarati language translation services for your convenience.