May is National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. While regulators and law enforcement officials across the nation will be heightening their focus on promoting motorcycling riding safety and reducing the incidence of motorcycle accidents this month, we will support these efforts by dispelling some common myths about motorcycle safety in this blog series.
Understanding the facts behind some of the most common misconceptions about motorcycle safety can help you stay as safe as possible when riding. When, however, you need help holding negligent parties accountable for causing motorcycle accidents, it’s time to contact an experienced Denver motorcycle accident lawyer at Cederberg Law. Our attorneys are dedicated to helping survivors of traffic accidents succeed in their financial recovery.
Don’t Believe these Motorcycle Safety Myths
Myth 1 – Wearing helmets limits riders’ ability to see and hear.
In support of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, here are the facts behind common motorcycle safety myths. Contact our Denver motorcycle accident lawyer if you’ve been in a collision and need help with your financial recovery.
Fact – This is flat-out false. DOT-approved helmets can actually improve riders’ perception, providing eye protection and reducing wind noise, rather than blocking riders’ vision or impairing their hearing. In fact, as researchers at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have found, wearing safety helmets when riding motorcycles:
- Only has minimal (if any) interference with vision and/or hearing
- Offers far more protections than hindrance, particularly in the event a motorcycle accident occurs
- Can reduce the risk of suffering fatal injuries in motorcycle accidents by about 29 percent.
Myth 2 – Louder bikes are safer.
Fact – Not necessarily. Although some people believe that having louder mufflers can be the best way to alert other motorists to their presence on the road, louder bikes can also prevent riders from being able to hear important noise around them, such as sirens, the impending presence of other vehicles, horns, etc. This can end up creating more risks for riders (than safety benefits).
Myth 3 – Experienced riders can handle any situation.
Fact – Wrong! Although experienced riders can handle many situations, there are times when crashes may be unavoidable. For instance, when other motorists pull out in front of riders and then stop directly in front of them, even the most skilled rider can have difficulty avoiding a collision.
So, the real takeaway from this fact is that it’s always a good idea to ride defensively, not speed, think strategically and not get overly confident. Even if your riding skills are superb, keeping a level head could make all of the difference if you do end up crashing.
Don’t miss the upcoming second part of this blog series for some more facts behind common motorcycle safety myths.
Contact a Denver Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Cederberg Law
Have you or someone you love been hurt in a motorcycle accident? If so, contact a Denver motorcycle accident lawyer at Cederberg Law to find out more about your best options for financial recovery.
To meet with us at no cost or obligation to you, call us at 303-499-0449 or email us using the form at the side of the screen. In addition to offering free initial consults and contingency fee options, our lawyers make hospital visits to ensure that you have access to the legal support you need – whenever you need it.
