Rules Of The Road For Bikers And Others Around Them
The number of bikers on the road has increased in recent years, especially in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. This is likely due to the growing popularity of biking as a form of exercise and recreation. In addition, bikers are often exempt from traffic laws, which makes biking a more appealing form of travel.
Biker safety has become an increasingly important issue in recent years. Bikers are vulnerable to injury in the event of a collision with a car or truck. It’s important when riding to wear proper safety gear, including a helmet, and follow the rules of the road.
Biking is a popular activity in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C, despite the dangers.
Injury And Accident Statistics For Bikers
Vulnerable road users are defined as those who are more likely to be killed or seriously injured in a collision than people in vehicles. This includes pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. Bikes are harder to see than cars and trucks, and the lack of protection makes any collision a potentially dangerous or fatal.
Bikers are particularly vulnerable because they do not have the same level of protection as people in cars. They are also less visible to other road users. Although bikers are a small percentage of motorists, they are disproportionately represented in traffic injuries. According to the Insurance Information Institute, over 80,000 motorcyclists were injured in traffic accidents in 2019. That has been the overall average for bike accidents since 2017. Not to mention how fatalities are higher for bikers than they are for other motor vehicles.
There are specific hazards to motorcycles on interstates. Lane changes, entry ramps and other opportunities for cars and trucks to make unexpected maneuvers might hurt bikers due to driver inattention. Highways and intersections are places where drivers are less likely to respect a biker’s right of way. This is the case in two-thirds of motorcycle accidents that involve other vehicles.
Follow these ‘rules of the road’ to prevent motorcycle accidents. These ‘rules of the road’ are for both bikers and other vehicles. Know what your rights are as a biker. Here’s how to stay safe.
Safety Gear For Bikers
Bikers must wear proper safety gear, including a helmet, and follow the rules of the road. By taking these precautions, you can enjoy the rides and be well-protected.
Some of the essential safety gear for bikers includes a helmet, gloves, and reflective clothing.
- A helmet is the most important piece of safety gear. It protects your head in the event of a fall or collision. When choosing a helmet, make sure it fits snugly and is certified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
- Gloves protect your hands from injuries in the event of a fall. They also help you grip the handlebars more securely. Look for gloves that are made from breathable materials so your hands don’t get too sweaty.
- Reflective clothing helps make you more visible to drivers, especially at night or in low-light conditions. Look for reflective vests, jackets, or bands that you can wear on your arms or legs.
Other safety gear for bikers includes a first-aid kit, a bike repair kit, and a bike light. carrying these items with you will help you be prepared for any eventuality while out on a ride.
What Other Drivers Can Do To Prevent Motorcycle Accidents
When the weather gets warmer, more and more bikers hit the road. Though it’s great to see so many people enjoying the outdoors, it’s important to remember that bikers are some of the most vulnerable road users out there. Here are a few tips on how to keep motorcyclists safe on the road:
- Be extra cautious when driving near bikers. They may be harder to see than other vehicles, so it’s important to keep a lookout.
- Don’t tailgate – give them plenty of room to maneuver in case they need to make a sudden stop.
- Yield the right of way to bikers when turning – they may be coming up fast behind you and need the extra time to slow down or change direction.
- Use your horn when passing them, but don’t do it excessively as it can startle them.
Following these simple steps can help make the road a safer place for everyone.
Your Rights As A Biker
Victims of accidents or the survivors of accident fatalities have the right to claim financial damages. Damages may include reimbursement for medical expenses, compensation for pain and emotional distress or other related costs.
After an accident, you don’t want to be worrying about how you will recover or even riding again in the future. Make sure to talk to an attorney that the biker community trusts. Legal representation may make the process easier and help your case stay on the path to success.
An Attorney That Bikers Trust
Malloy Law Offices has been helping people just like you for over 15 years. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident, it’s important to seek legal counsel as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the complex process of filing a claim and ensure that you get the compensation you are entitled to. Contact our office today for a free consultation. We are here to help make the process easier so you can get better and get back on the road.