Riding a motorcycle is a thrilling and cost-effective way for your teenage child to commute. Unfortunately, motorbike riders are more likely to sustain injuries than passenger-vehicle occupants.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 88,000 motorcyclists were injured in accidents in 2013. Fortunately, your teen may be able to avoid becoming a statistic by following these essential safety tips:
- Enroll in a riding course;
- Wear the proper safety equipment;
- Do not transport passengers;
- And obey the speed limit.
If you or your child was injured in a motorcycle accident that another driver caused, contact Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC. A Cedar Rapids accident lawyer will guide you through the claims process.
Our legal team can assess your case to determine if you may be entitled to compensation for health-care bills, lost income and other damages. Call 319-393-1020 to schedule a free initial consultation. You can also visit USAttorneys.com to learn more about personal injury lawsuits.
Here is a brief overview of four important safety tips for teenage motorcycle riders:
1. Enroll in a Riding Course
Knowing the basics of riding a motorbike is not enough to prevent accidents; young riders should also understand how to avoid dangerous situations. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation offers a list of approved riding courses. The website also provides educational resources to help riders improve their skills and awareness.
2. Wear the Proper Safety Equipment
Wearing the proper safety equipment can be the difference between a minor injury and a fatal wound. Helmets are particularly important. Make sure your teen wears a new helmet with a Department of Transportation or Snell Foundation certification.
Your teen should also wear a thick riding jacket, pants, boots and gloves. If your teen rides without a visor, he or she should also wear riding goggles.
3. Do Not Transport Passengers
Carrying a passenger can increase the risk of a motorcycle accident. The extra weight will affect the handling of the bike. Also, passengers can be distracting, and one abrupt shift in weight could cause a deadly crash.
4. Obey the Speed Limit
Speeding significantly increases the likelihood of an accident. According to the most recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than one-third of motorcyclists who were involved in deadly wrecks in 2012 were speeding.
Riding at a faster speed will extend your stopping distance, which can increase the likelihood of rear-end collisions. High speed also adds to the impact of a collision, which can make injuries worse.
Although these four tips can reduce your teen’s risk of crashing, nobody is immune to accidents. If your child was injured by a negligent motorist in Iowa, contact Eells & Tronvold Law Offices, PLC.
A Cedar Rapids injury attorney can assess your case to determine if you have grounds for a claim. Call 319-393-1020 to schedule a free initial consultation.