(562) 698-6446
(562) 698-6446
At Hanning & Sacchetto, LLP, our motorcycle accident attorneys in Whittier, California provide legal solutions for injury victims to pursue the financial recovery they need to get the physical and emotional recovery care they deserve.
More importantly, we strive to deliver our Los Angeles County residents with resources to prevent these life-changing accidents, so they can ride their motorcycles safely throughout the city — thereby never needing our personal injury attorney services.
Five Tips to Remain Safe While Riding Your Motorcycle in California
According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, over 857,000 motorcycles were registered throughout the state last year.
California’s warm weather, lengthy roads, and commuter friendliness aids in the abundance of motorcycles on our roadways.
As much larger passenger vehicles share the roads with motorcycles, riders need to focus on their safety while traversing our congested traffic patterns.
Here are five tips for motorcyclists to remain safe while riding throughout California.
Tip One: Slow Down
Speeding makes it more difficult to safely maneuver turns and sharp curves. Also, when riders must hit their brakes firmly at a high rate of speed, they risk exiting the motorcycle, which can cause severe injuries.
Tip Two: Check Your Surroundings at Intersections
When motorcyclists are stopped at crosswalks and intersections, they are in danger of being rear-ended by other drivers who are not paying attention. When stopped, check your surroundings for any distracted drivers, so you can avoid their negligence.
Tip Three: Never Ride Between Active Traffic and Parked Cars
Riding between parked cars and active traffic can place motorcyclists at risk of hitting a pedestrian who is entering their vehicle, drivers and passengers who are opening car doors, and other motorists exiting their parking spots.
Tip Four: Never Ride Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol
Drugs and alcohol use are the leading causes of motorcycle accidents, as their use slows a rider’s reaction time, impairs judgment, and places other motorists in harm’s way.
Tip Five: Perform Regular Maintenance on the Motorcycle
Riders should perform regular maintenance on their motorcycles and check their condition before each ride to reduce the risk of a crash.
That includes ensuring each component is functioning properly, including the:
- Brakes
- Engine
- Headlamps
- Tires
- Turn signals
California Motorcyclists are Required by Law to Wear a DOT Compliant Helmet
California Legislators passed a law requiring all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear Department of Transportation compliant helmets, and for good reason.
DOT-compliant helmet use for motorcyclists throughout the country was estimated at 71% last year; up from 55% the year before.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that 1,859 lives were saved last year alone by wearing the proper helmet while riding.
Helmets can also help prevent brain injuries in riders and passengers when a motorcycle accident does occur, providing one more preventive measure that keeps motorcyclists safer while riding.
Have You Been Injured in a Motorcycle Accident in California?
While we hope that motorcyclists throughout California never need our services, we understand that distracted and impaired drivers cause thousands of motorcycle accidents each year throughout the state.
If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident caused by a negligent driver, contact our Whittier personal injury Lawyers at (562) 698-6446 today to schedule a free consultation. Our motorcycle accident lawyers are standing by to help you pursue the negligent party who caused your injuries, so you can focus on your physical and emotional recovery.
