Stay Safe On or Around Motorcycles

Personal Injury Attorneys in Austin Representing Bikers

This year’s Republic of Texas Biker Rally in Austin went down as one of the safest in recent memory.

The weekend when thousands of bikers descend upon the town for the event always sees the number of crashes spike, but this was the first time since 2009 there were no crash-related deaths. For the last five years, there has been at least one motorcyclist fatality during the weekend rally.

However, by Sunday evening of this year’s event, while Austin’s Emergency Medical Services crews had responded to as many as 25 motorcycle crashes, and five people suffered serious injuries, none had died.

If you or a loved one is a motorcycle rider, it is important to follow certain guidelines to stay safe on the road. How many of these can you check off your list before you head out on the highway?

1. Wear a Helmet. The number one most important thing you should do on a bike. Head injuries are the leading cause of death for motorcycle riders. Don’t worry so much about looking cool—you’ll look even less cool in a coffin.
2. Watch the Weather. With two wheels instead of four, you have half the traction of a car in the rain or snow. And unless you have windshield wipers on your eyeballs, your visibility will be lessened.
3. Leave Enough Space. Older bikes may not have anti-lock brakes, meaning they need a greater stopping distance than cars. Practice braking in a safe environment to figure out how much space you need.
4. Know Your Limits. You might be fine taking an easy Sunday roll through town, but mastering the skills of an expert rider takes time and practice. Make sure you ride within your skill level.
5. Complete a Motorcycle Safety Class. Regardless of whether or not your state requires a motorcycle safety course to get your license, take one. It will provide a safe, controlled environment in which to learn about traffic safety laws, emergency situations, and even motorcycle maintenance.

After a sharp increase in the number of traffic related fatalities in 2012, a collaborative work group called Arrive Alive Central Texas was introduced to find “long term, positive solutions aimed at changing the culture of hazardous driving behavior,” according to the Austin Police Department.

There was a 47 percent increase in the number of deaths of motorists and pedestrians from 2011 to 2012. Through AACT’s efforts, law enforcement agencies successfully reduced the number of serious injury and fatal crashes by four percent in 2013.

During the 2013 ROT Rally weekend, there were 254 crashes in Austin, resulting in three deaths and 54 minor injuries. This year’s zero-fatality rate is a massive achievement for the festival and local law enforcement agencies.

I Was Injured On a Motorcycle and I Need an Austin Accident Lawyer

Car drivers must do their part to cut down on motorcycle accidents, especially given that many of the collisions between cars and bikes occur because the driver never noticed the motorcyclist. Check your mirrors frequently while on the road, be sure to use your signals when turning or changing lanes, and stay generally vigilant while behind the wheel.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, you need to learn more about your legal rights and options. Call our office at (512) 474-8346, or contact our Austin injury lawyer online. We offer a free consultation to anyone who has concerns about the injuries they have suffered.

Source: https://austintexas.gov/news/apd-announces-arrive-alive-traffic-safety-initiative-rot-rally-0