Road safety is the first and the foremost consideration while driving motorcycles. There are many safety gears, rules, and laws to lower accident rates. Technology contributes significantly in improving motorcycle safety and minimizing accident rates.
Examples of some new technologies are:
- ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems)
- Motorcycle airbags
- Anti-lock brakes
These technologies help to keep the riders alert about the hazards in the environment. Similarly, airbags help to reduce the intensity of injuries and anti-lock brakes protect the rider from skidding and crashing.
So, let’s get started by knowing the meaning of motorcycle safety. However, while on the road, someone else’s negligence can let you lose your bike, health, or even life. Therefore, this article includes the role of lawyers specialized in motorcycle accidents when you need legal advice after facing an accident.
What is Motorcycle Safety?
Motorcycle safety is the way and provisions taken to avoid accidents while riding a bike. You can maximize the protection by:
Proper Training and Education
By proper training we mean that:
- The rider must have proper knowledge of the basic motorcycle operations.
- He must know the techniques for safe riding.
- The rider must have a valid motorcycle license which is another vital factor involved in motorcycle accident settlement.
Using Protective Gears
Motorcycle safety can also be assured by wearing protective gears. The protective gears for motorcyclists include:
- Helmet
- Eye protection
- Nonslip, over-the-ankle footwear
- Long pants
- Gloves
- A heavy duty jacket
Following the Rules of the Road
The road rules and laws are made for the safety of both the riders and pedestrians. Just like other drivers and vehicles, motorcyclists need to follow all the traffic rules and also enjoy their rights. Following speed limits, traffic signs, and signals is mandatory to ensure motorcycle safety. Similarly, having complete documentation is mandatory. Because in case of an accident, the first thing you need to show to the motorcycle accident lawyers and police officers will ask for is the license.
An Overview of Motorcycle Accident Rates – How Often Do Motorcycle Accidents Happen?
We all have observed young motorcyclists doing overspeeding, one-wheeling, and performing stunts on roads. These gestures have significantly increased the accident rate in recent years.
According to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), in 2018, the casualty rate increased by 5.1%. 88,000 reported injuries and 5,000 deaths is a huge number which must be controlled.
If technology can help us to reduce accidents and save the lives of motorcyclists, then why not? By getting more information and using better safety tools a rider can improve the decisions on the road and keep his life safe from the risks.
What to Do in a Hit and Run Motorcycle Accident Situation?
Hit and run motorcycle accidents are awful and have a negative impact on the injured motorcyclist. In such conditions the things that can help you win the case, are:
- Try to click a snap quickly of the responsible escaping driver.
- Try to gather evidences of the hitting scene
- Contact the witnesses on the spot
- Contact a motorcycle accident lawyers to help you to case a compensation
How Can Technology Improve Motorcycle Safety?
The answer to the question “How to avoid accidents on motorcycles and how can technology help to improve motorcyclist’s safety” is as follows.
- Improved Visibility
- It can be achieved by installing better headlights on your motorcycle.
- You can use reflective gears or the reflective surface of the bike can also improve the visibility.
- LED lights are in trend. They not only enhance the bike’s look but also increase the visibility, consequently improving motorcycle safety.
- Increasing Rider Awareness
The rider can be fully aware of the surroundings with the help of:
- Rearview mirrors
- Blind spot warning systems
- Advanced cruise control systems
- Wearable Sensors
Wearable sensors are the devices that monitor the body vitals. By wearing a smartwatch, band, or ring, you can keep an eye on your physiological parameters. In case, there is some issue with the vitals, you can stop your bike to ensure your safety.
- Protective Gears
Another great way to benefit from technology are the protective gears. Advanced protective gears, for example, a helmet with an in-built GPS system or camera help the rider to have rear views and eliminate blind spots.
Airbag jackets, vests, and shockproof boots by using flexible impact technology are some good examples of advanced wearable for bikers.
- Automated Assist Systems
Motorcycles can also enjoy the automated assist systems. These systems minimize the risk of accidents and ensure the driver’s safety. Some of these systems are:
- Ride visions – front and rear cameras to alert the rider when there is a chance of collision
- Self-driving sensors
- ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) to maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
- Collision warning system
- Blind spot detectors
What Is the Most Common Type of Motorcycle Accident?
Some common types of motorcycle accidents are:
- Accidents during switching lanes
- Turning the corner
- Head-on collision
- Lane splitting accidents
- High-speeding
Accidents happen in a fraction of second and it takes time to understand whose fault led to the situation. So, who is at fault in most motorcycle accidents?
In most of the cases, car drivers are at fault and responsible for the accident. Their improper left turns, and poor driving behavior lead to motorcycle accidents.
Compensation Claim after an Accident
How to Claim for a Motorcycle Accident Compensation?
One of the most common cases we observe in a motorcycle accident is negligence. The person who behaves carelessly is negligent and responsible for giving an injury to the other person.
In case of a motorcycle accident knee injury or another injury you need legal advice from a to file a compensation case.
By consulting a motorcycle accident law firm or motorcycle accident lawyers you can claim a motorcycle accident compensation. As per the prevailing laws, you can claim compensation within 3 years of the injury.
What Is the Average Settlement for a Motorcycle Accident?
The average settlement for motorcycle accidents vary from country to country. Also, the amount depends on the particular situation. For example, in the USA a good settlement means almost $80,000, and in the UK it falls somewhere between £2300 – £4000.
Final Verdict
Despite the advancements and technologies, other people’s negligence can lead to accidents. Manufacturers are constantly working to add features to motorcycles that can minimize the rate of accidents.
So, it is vital for us all to follow rules, use protective gears, and be careful while on road. There is nothing more precious than human life. Enjoy and stay protected.
