As we close out another Motorcycle Safety Month, we thought it would be a great idea to remind bikers and motorists alike of the responsibility to share the road and to ride responsibly.

Did You Know? Motorcyclists are out on the road now more than ever before in Minnesota’s history. Learn how to avoid motorcycle accidents by reading and implementing these safety tips.

Motorcycle Safety Tips for Bikers

Follow the safety tips provided here to keep yourself and those around you safe.

• Dress appropriately: Wear protective gear at all times. This includes wearing long sleeves, pants and gloves. Also, wear bright or reflective gear when you are riding—this is especially important at night!
• Put on your helmet: Minnesota law does not require bikers to wear helmets. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t wear one, though. Your helmet and any other protective gear you wear are the only things that will come between you and the pavement should an accident occur.
• Instruct your passengers on how to ride: Balancing your bike and riding smoothly becomes trickier with a passenger on board. Tell your passenger the key things to do to ensure a great ride, including holding on to your waist, leaning with you when turning or changing lanes, and keeping their feet on the pegs at all times.
• Maintain your bike: One malfunction of your bike could mean disaster—avoid such a situation by keeping your bike in proper working order at all times.
• Take a training course: The Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center (MMSC) offers a variety of motorcycle training courses across the state, ranging from basic rider training to motorcycle maintenance. Visit the MMSC website to learn more.
• Get out and practice: Whether or not you take a training course, you should always set aside a bit of time each month to practice your skills, including quick stops and lane changes.

Motorcycle Safety Tips for Drivers

Motorcycle safety is not just up to motorcyclists. Motorists must also do their part to avoid colliding with riders:

• Pay close attention to your blind spots: The most often cited reason for motorists who hit motorcyclists: “I didn’t see him.” Drivers must be aware of their blind spots and pay close attention to them prior to changing lanes or turning.
• Look twice: Motorcycles take up much less space on the road. Protect yourself and those around you by taking an extra look or two to ensure you didn’t miss anything.
• Yield the right of way: Motorcycles are motor vehicles, and thus require the right of way when appropriate.

Learn more safety tips for car and truck drivers at the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s For Car Drivers website.

Do Not Become Another Statistic

Motorcycle accidents continue to make up a significant part of all motor vehicle accidents in Minnesota. Do not allow yourself to become part of statistics such as these:

• 1,266 crashes in 2013 included at least one motorcyclist
• 55% of all motorcycle crashes were single-vehicle crashes (meaning accidents involving overturning and collisions with stationary objects)
• Motorcyclists account for 15% of all motor vehicle fatalities

If you’d like to learn more, or if you happen to fall victim to a motorcycle accident, call on our Minneapolis personal injury law firm.

Image: Some rights reserved by Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office
Sources: Minnesota Motor Vehicle Crash Facts, 2013; Riding Tips from the Office of Traffic Safety