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Motorcycle Safety Myths
6 False Motorcycle
Safety Myths Illinois Motorcyclists Should Know
Whether you ride for pleasure or as your primary
mode of transportation, motorcycle safety helps ensure you remain injury-free
on the road.
Motorcycle safety tips come from many
sources, but some tips are incorrect.
False information creates motorcycle safety
myths that put you at risk.
To educate motorcyclists and encourage
motorcycle safety, we take a closer look at six common motorcycle safety myths.
Myth#1: Helmets
Will Not Make a Difference in a Crash
Without a helmet, you are three times more
likely to suffer a brain injury in a crash.
Helmeted riders are up to 73% less likely to
die in motorcycle wrecks and 85% less likely to suffer severe injuries than
riders without helmets.
Illinois does not legally require helmet use
for motorcycle operators or passengers of any age.
While motorcyclist fatalities in 2017
decreased by 8.6% nationwide, in Illinois, motorcyclist fatalities increased by
5.2%.
Myth #2: Helmets Impair Sight
Like many motorcycle safety myths about
helmet use, vision impairment is not supported by scientific data.
In fact, federal safety standards mandate
that helmets provide a 210-degree field of vision to ensure your peripheral
vision is never blocked.
Since over 90% of accidents occur within a
range of 160-degrees, your helmet would not obstruct your view or contribute to
your crash
Myth #3: Other
Motorists Always See and Hear Motorcycles
Even the most attentive drivers can miss a
motorcycle in their blind spot.
Motorcycles are less visible than cars, so
always assume other drivers cannot see you.
Also, do not count on loud pipes on your bike
to announce your presence.
Most of the noise from your pipes is directed
rearward, so vehicles in front of you likely will not notice it, especially if
the windows are up and the radio is on.
Always drive defensively, avoid riding too
close to other vehicles and make yourself more visible by wearing bright
colors.
Myth #4: Drinking Beer Before Riding Is
Okay
A low blood alcohol content (BAC) does not
mean it is safe to ride your motorcycle.
Controlling a motorcycle requires balance,
coordination and good judgment. Any amount of alcohol can potentially hamper
these skills.
In 2016, a reported 25% of the 5,286
motorcyclist fatalities nationwide had a BAC of .08 or higher, but 7% of
fatally injured motorcyclists were below the legal limit.
Myth #5: Wearing Leather Is Just Cool
Bikers are known for wearing leather, but it
is more than a fashion statement.
Leather garments are part of your personal
protective equipment, just like your helmet.
Wearing clothing designed for motorcycle
riding made of leather or other thick, protective material can help prevent
road rash and bodily injuries during a crash.
Myth #6: Anyone With a Driver’s License Can Operate
a Motorcycle
Riding a motorcycle requires different
knowledge and skills than driving an automobile.
Having a driver’s license does not mean you
can safely operate a motorcycle.
Twenty-seven percent of motorcyclists in 2016
fatal crashes did not have a valid motorcycle license.
Illinois requires a valid Class M license or
endorsement added to your driver’s license before you can legally operate any
motorcycle over 150cc.
Hire Top Illinois Motorcycle Accident
Attorneys
In a wreck? Need a check?™
If you have been hurt in a motorcycle
accident, call the Illinois motorcycle accident attorneys at Lerner and Rowe
Injury Attorneys.
You can call us at 844-977-1900. Our office
is open from 8 AM to 5 PM.
However, we are available 24/7 to take your
call, or use our convenient LiveChat online.
We bring experience, skill and passion to
your case, offer free initial consultations and never charge a fee unless we
win your case.
The
information on this blog is for general information purposes only. Nothing
herein should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation.
This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not
constitute, an attorney-client relationship.
Established
in 2005, the law office of Lerner and Rowe was founded upon the
principles of quality representation and a dedication to client service and
satisfaction. In conjunction with these founding principles, our legal teams
wealth of knowledge and experience in all aspects of personal injury has
allowed us to help our clients obtain maximum compensation for their injuries
and to become Arizona’s premier personal injury firm. In 2017 and
2018, we expanded our personal injury legal services to include the states of
New Mexico and Tennessee by opening law offices in both Albuquerque and
Nashville. Then with the rebranding of Glen Lerner Injury Attorneys to Lerner
and Rowe Injury Attorneys in 2019, Lerner and Rowe law offices can now be found
in the states of Nevada, California, Illinois, and Indiana.
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