Missouri Motorcycle Safety 101: Advice from a St. Louis motorcycle accident attorney
With
triple digit temperatures (hopefully) behind us, we are approaching yet another
season of heavy motorcycle traffic. Most motorcycle enthusiasts,
including myself, take licensing and safety classes in preparation for
motorcycle use. But we all know that excitement and enthusiasm about
riding can often times trump our availability to be conscious of operating
safety. As a St. Louis motorcycle accident attorney, I share a few basic reminders of what to be aware of as a
cautious rider this season:
*Hill crests - the tops of hills can easily hide from motorcyclists what is on the other side. Often times, sharp turns, other vehicles, or road debris are waiting on the other side of a hill crest. Motorcycle drivers fail to see over a hill crest until the last second when it may be too late. It is important to maintain a safe traveling speed when approaching the top of the hill in order to safely navigate around anything that may be on the other side.
*Potholes, unmarked construction sites and gravel in the roadway: Any driver is sure to experience some surprises on the pavement they are traveling on. Passenger cars and trucks are equipped with their larger size to roll over small obstructions on pavement and it goes unnoticed. With a motorcycle, however, a piece of loose gravel or small pothole has potential to cause serious damage to both the bike and the rider. Keep a preventable eye on the road and your surroundings at all times. Many Missouri motorcycle accidents happen because of failure to safety navigate a pothole.
*Nature: Deer and other wildlife pose a threat to all drivers, with an added danger to motorcyclists. Again, due to lack of vehicle structure being operated that would otherwise provide a barrier of protection with a driver of a car or truck, motorcycle drivers are essentially face-to-face with an animal in the event of striking one. In addition to wildlife, environmental factors such as rain, dew or fog stage potentially unsafe roadways. It is imperative to maintain a safe, smooth speed of travel with extra precaution around curves and intersections.
*Other drivers: Motorcycle drivers are held to a higher standard of caution while driving and have an increased amount of factors to be aware of compared to motor vehicle drivers. You are more than likely one of the most careful drivers on the road - when on a motorcycle, you are not distracted by a cell phone, eating, or messing with music or other passengers. You are in control, focused, and in anticipation of any potential hazards.
Remember that other motorists are not - they are distracted by a number of things and may not be paying attention to you. Maintain a safe distance in between you and other vehicles, and always avoid anyone who looks like they do not have full control of their vehicle. Keeping these few things in mind along with your basic knowledge of safely operating your motorcycle, you will contribute to the maintenance of Missouri's safe roads. If you or someone you know has been injured while on a motorcycle, contact our St. Louis personal injury attorneys for assistance.
*Hill crests - the tops of hills can easily hide from motorcyclists what is on the other side. Often times, sharp turns, other vehicles, or road debris are waiting on the other side of a hill crest. Motorcycle drivers fail to see over a hill crest until the last second when it may be too late. It is important to maintain a safe traveling speed when approaching the top of the hill in order to safely navigate around anything that may be on the other side.
*Potholes, unmarked construction sites and gravel in the roadway: Any driver is sure to experience some surprises on the pavement they are traveling on. Passenger cars and trucks are equipped with their larger size to roll over small obstructions on pavement and it goes unnoticed. With a motorcycle, however, a piece of loose gravel or small pothole has potential to cause serious damage to both the bike and the rider. Keep a preventable eye on the road and your surroundings at all times. Many Missouri motorcycle accidents happen because of failure to safety navigate a pothole.
*Nature: Deer and other wildlife pose a threat to all drivers, with an added danger to motorcyclists. Again, due to lack of vehicle structure being operated that would otherwise provide a barrier of protection with a driver of a car or truck, motorcycle drivers are essentially face-to-face with an animal in the event of striking one. In addition to wildlife, environmental factors such as rain, dew or fog stage potentially unsafe roadways. It is imperative to maintain a safe, smooth speed of travel with extra precaution around curves and intersections.
*Other drivers: Motorcycle drivers are held to a higher standard of caution while driving and have an increased amount of factors to be aware of compared to motor vehicle drivers. You are more than likely one of the most careful drivers on the road - when on a motorcycle, you are not distracted by a cell phone, eating, or messing with music or other passengers. You are in control, focused, and in anticipation of any potential hazards.
Remember that other motorists are not - they are distracted by a number of things and may not be paying attention to you. Maintain a safe distance in between you and other vehicles, and always avoid anyone who looks like they do not have full control of their vehicle. Keeping these few things in mind along with your basic knowledge of safely operating your motorcycle, you will contribute to the maintenance of Missouri's safe roads. If you or someone you know has been injured while on a motorcycle, contact our St. Louis personal injury attorneys for assistance.
