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New York Motorcycle Safety

Bikers in our state face a number of

dangers every time we take to

the road…

New York – A Great State for Riders

There’s nothing quite like riding a motorcycle on an open road, especially

on a beautiful, fall day in New York State. Great gas mileage, easier

parking and smaller storage requirements all make motorcycles very

appealing to riders everywhere. But there are still plenty of risks for bikers.

Awareness of motorcycle dangers just might make the all the difference in

your next ride.

The Dangers of Motorcycling(from the NHTSA)

When involved in a crash, motorcyclists are 26 times more likely to be killed than people in passenger cars.

In 2012, there was a 7 percent increase in motorcycle deaths and a 15 percent increase in motorcycle injuries from the previous year.

From 2003 to 2012, there was a 33 percent increase in motorcycle fatalities. The fatality rate for motorcyclists was 6 times the rate than for those in passenger cars. 93 percent of motorcyclists killed in a car accident were riders, and 7 percent were

passengers. 80 percent of motorcycle crashes result in fatalities 40 percent of motorcycle fatalities were among those 40 years of age or older.

The Biggest Threats to Motorcyclists

In 2012, 52 percent of all motorcycle fatalities involved collisions with another moving vehicle.

In two-vehicle collisions, 75 percent of motorcycle crashes occurred when a motorcycle collided with the vehicle in from of them, compared to only 7 percent from behind.

22 percent of motorcycle fatalities occurred when a motorcycle collided with a fixed object.

The NHTSA reported that in two-vehicle crashes involving both motorcycles and passenger vehicles, 98 percent of fatalities were motorcycle riders.

In 2005, of two-vehicle crashes involving a passenger car and a motorcycle, 91 percent were on non-interstate roadways.

70 percent of motorcycle crashes occur at intersections

Stay Legal and Safe With Helmets

The NHTSA estimates that in 2012, helmets saved the lives of 1,699 motorcyclists, while 718 lives were lost because they didn’t wear helmets.

It is also estimated that helmets are 37% effective in preventing fatalities for motorcycle riders.

New York law requires the use of helmets for all motorcyclists.

Alcohol Use In Motorcycle Crashes

In crashes that occurred in 2012, a higher

percentage of motorcycle operators tested

over .08 percent alcohol concentration

(BAC) than other motor vehicle drivers.

43 percent of fatally injured motorcycle

riders who died in single-vehicle crashes

had over .08 percent BAC. That percentage

was a startling 63 percent on weekends. 29 percent of fatally injured motorcycle riders were over .08 percent BAC.

Motorcycles and Bad Weather

When driving in the rain, remember that

the most dangerous time is right after

precipitation begins.

Be aware of the fact that “long-lasting”

tires are often less tacky and don’t have

good traction.

If riding in cold weather, always dress

warmly to avoid frostbite and hypothermia.

Windshields actually help you stay warm

when riding in colder temperatures

Some tips from the DMV:

Safety Tips for BikersThese guidelines from the NHTSA are great for newcomers and seasoned veterans alike:

Always wear a helmet and protective gear Attend a motorcycle safety class and learn

defensive driving Choose a motorcycle that fits your size Be cautious at intersections Avoid biking in bad weather Avoid a car’s blind spots Assume you are invisible to other

motorists

The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance Allstate gives us a great checklist for motorcycles. In addition to yearly tune-ups, you’ll want to regularly check: Oil levels Tires for wear and loss of tread Lights and signals Brake pads and brake fluid Battery cables and connectors Chain strength and lubrication Filters – including oil, air and fuel Fuel levels and fuel lines, look for leaks Steering for smoothness and appropriate tightness

New York State Biking Laws1. In New York State, you must have a Class M or MJ Operator’s License or Learner’s Permit.

2. You and your passengers must wear a helmet

3. Riders must wear eyewear if not included on the helmet

4. Daytime headlight use is required

5. If carrying a passenger, a passenger seat and footrest are required

6. Motorcycle helmet speakers may only have one earphone

7. Only two motorcycles may ride side by side in a single lane

8. See additional equipment requirements listed on the NY Department of Health website:https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/injury_prevention/children/toolkits/motorcycles/laws_and_licensing.htm

Need Legal Help?If you’ve been injured due to the negligence of another driver or because of a roadway

defect, you should call the motorcycle accident attorneys at Kaplan Lawyers PC. Our

team has decades of experience helping riders to hold responsible parties accountable

for their actions. Our consultation is free and we charge no legal fees unless we win your

case.

http://www.kaplanlawyers.com

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