Motorcycle Safety Tips Blog

Here is a video which demonstrates a classic cager v. motorcycle scenario whereby a cager cuts off a motorcycle and causes the motorcycle to crash, probably causing severe personal injuries to the motorcyclist.

First off there is no excusing the cager whatsoever for causing this motorcycle accident. The car has a duty of due care to ensure that there is no one in the other lane before changing lanes. The video clearly shows that the biker owned the lane, and was clearly not at fault in this accident. I handle motorcycle cases such as this on a daily basis. Most of the time there is not video like this to show what actually happened in a motorcycle accident.

From the video it appears at least to me that the accident could have probably been avoided had the biker been riding slower. You may agree with me that it appears that the car took a bit of time before the biker hit the car. Had the biker been going slower, this accident probably could have been avoided.

What is the lesson learned by this video; Ride like you are invisible. If you are on city streets or highways, anticipate that some idiot is going to cut in front of you in their car. Ride defensively and always try to leave yourself a way out.

Obviously, there are times when there is flat out nothing that you can do, however, the lesson of this video is that riding slower on city streets and highways where cars and cagers will be entering and changing lanes may save your life!

By Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq., © 2008

Last year around this time I wrote an article about May being motorcycle safety awareness month, which you can read by clicking here now.

Although it is not quite May, 2008 yet, as my fiancé and I get ready to ride to Laughlin, Nevada for the Laughlin River Run ( you can read an article about last years run by clicking here now. ) and with the weather being so good here in Southern California, and Nevada, I know there will be bikers and motorcyclist out riding by the tens of thousands over the next week!

Keep it safe people. Motorcycle Safety means inspecting your motorcycle, wearing proper motorcycle riding gear, and riding defensively on the road.

Just because I am a Biker Lawyer and I handle many motorcycle accident cases, does not mean that I do not like to have fun out there myself. Yes, I too may give my Electra Glide a bit too much throttle from time to time, and yes I too may take off the helmet while riding in Arizona over the next week, but nonetheless, I will still be careful and cognizant.

Bottom line, be safe on your motorcycles ALL OF THE TIME people. The month of May was meant by the NHTSA to make you aware of safety. I say motorcycle safety is a full time gig!

By Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq., © 2008

Operating a motorcycle takes different skills than driving a car; however, the laws of the road apply to every driver just the same. A combination of consistent education, regard for traffic laws and basic common sense can go a long way in helping reduce the amount of fatalities involved in motorcycle accidents on a yearly basis.

Here is a checklist that every motorcycle rider should follow:

Always wear a helmet with a face shield or protective eyewear — Wearing a helmet is the best way to protect against severe head injuries. A motorcycle rider not wearing a helmet is five times more likely to sustain a critical head injury.

Wear appropriate gear — Make sure to wear protective gear and clothing that will minimize the amount of injuries in case of an accident or a skid. Wearing leather clothing, boots with nonskid soles, and gloves can protect your body from severe injuries. Consider attaching reflective tape to your clothing to make it easier for other drivers to see you.

Follow traffic rules — Obey the speed limit; the faster you go the longer it will take you to stop. Be aware of local traffic laws and rules of the road.

Ride defensively — Don’t assume that a driver can see you, as nearly two-thirds of all motorcycle accidents are caused by a driver violating a rider’s right of way. You should always ride with your headlights on; stay out of a driver’s blind spot; signal well in advance of any change in direction; and watch for turning vehicles.

Keep your riding skills honed through education — Complete a formal riding education program, get licensed and take riding courses from time to time to develop riding techniques and to sharpen your street-riding strategies.

Be awake and ride sober — Don’t drink and ride, you could cause harm to yourself and others. Additionally, fatigue and drowsiness can impair your ability to react, so make sure that you are well rested when you hit the road.

Preparing to Ride

Making sure that your motorcycle is fit for the road is just as important as practicing safe riding. Should something be wrong with your motorcycle, it will be in your best interest to find out prior to hitting the road. To make sure that your motorcycle is in good working order, check the following:

Tires — check for any cracks or bulges, or signs of wear in the treads. Low tire pressure or any defects could cause a blowout.

Under the motorcycle — Look for signs of oil or gas leaks.

Headlight, taillight and signals — Test for high and low beams. Make sure that all lights are functioning.

Hydraulic and Coolant fluids — Level should be checked weekly.

Once you've mounted the motorcycle, complete the following checks:

Clutch and throttle - Make sure they are working smoothly. Throttle should snap back when released.

Mirrors — Clean and adjust all mirrors to ensure sharpest viewing.

Brakes — Test front and rear brakes. Each brake should feel firm and hold the motorcycle still when fully applied.

Horn — Test the horn.

I am a biker lawyer who handles motorcycle accident cases in California. By this article I am throwing out some basic motorcycle safety tips. This article is not meant to debate helmet laws. I personally recommend using helmets, but I don’t endorse forcing my views on everyone. I believe in freedom of choice!

California Motorcycle Accident Center

Although we ride our motorcycles all year here in California, in many parts of the country, riding season has begun with the coming of spring.

Whether you are in California, or somewhere else in the Country or world, it is always a good idea to do a safety inspection of your motorcycle, or have an authorized dealer or mechanic to do the same.

Having a motorcycle that is unsafe can cause motorcycle accidents. Unlike in a car that has 4 wheels, a motorcycle only has 2 wheels. There is no room for error or skimping on ensuring that your motorcycle is in tip top shape for riding.

I was recently on a group run where multiple people got flat tires. To be frank this was an odd occurrence and could have either been a coincidence, or the result of rolling though debris or road conditions that caused the flat tires, I do not know.

During a pit stop, one of the guys had some of that spray tire sealant put into his tire to get it back up, and the peer pressure was put on him to continue the ride. I whispered into his ear that his life was not worth it and that he should take the motorcycle to the dealer to get a new tire. I will say it again; on a motorcycle we only have 2 tires. Tire sealant and or plugs or patches are not safe for motorcycles period. Some people may argue or disagree, I don’t care. Unlike in a car, on a motorcycle the result of a blown tire can be your life or gross or serious personal injury. It is not worth taking a chance.

Inspect your motorcycle for loose bolts or screws. Check your brakes and tires for wear and replace pads or tires if necessary. Replace oil and fluids if necessary, etc. Making your motorcycle safe is not rocket science.

Above all the key to riding your motorcycle in a safe manner is you yourself as a biker or motorcyclist, taking it easy on your motorcycle, especially if you are getting back on the motorcycle after a winter break, or even a couple of week break. You are the key to preventing a motorcycle accident and personal injury. You need to watch for negligent cagers; cover at intersections; keep your motorcycle in gear at stops and watch behind you for potential rear enders; take turns slow; not ride next to cars or trucks; stay visible; ride like cagers cannot see you; anticipate the worst thing a cager can do, etc.

I wish nothing more than for you all to be safe this motorcycle riding season. I will be on the road this season as well and am planning on riding my Harley Davidson Electra Glide thousands of miles. I will be at many major motorcycle rallies this summer; therefore, I need to heed my own advice too.

Be Safe this Season so says the Biker Law Blog!

If god forbid you do have a motorcycle accident, or are a passenger who has been injured in a motorcycle accident in the State of California, and want to talk to a real biker lawyer who handles motorcycle accidents you may call me at 800-816-1529, extension 1.

By Norman Gregory Fernandez, Esq., © 2008