To improve motorcycle safety and reduce fatalities, Connecticut requires all motorcyclists to complete a state-certified motorcycle safety course. This course is in addition to the knowledge and vision testing given to all new drivers in the state.
These requirements are a benefit to new riders and those with whom they share the road. However, Connecticut still loses more than fifty riders to motorcycle accidents each year. In 2021, nearly seventy Connecticut riders lost their lives to motorcycle accidents.
Stay safe on Connecticut’s roads and highways. Save and post the following five motorcycle safety tips for the riders in your life.
Safety Tip #1
Stay alert.
Riders must be aware of their surroundings. This is especially true when in an unfamiliar area. Riders need to look for changes in the road and potential hazards like:
Sand
Oil
Gravel
Potholes
Railroad tracks
Construction
Bumps
Motorcyclists should never assume other drivers can see them and should leave space to brake or change lanes quickly in case of an emergency.
Safety Tip #2
Stay visible.
Riders who wear dark clothing and protective gear are difficult to see by drivers, especially at night. Wearing bright clothing while riding increases rider visibility.
Other ways riders can alert drivers of their presence include:
Riding with their headlights on, night and day
Using hand signals along with turn signals
Avoiding motor vehicles’ blind spots
Riders should not assume drivers can see them and should take appropriate precautions at all times.
Safety Tip #3
Know the weather.
Staying up-to-date on the weather is imperative for riders. Weather conditions directly impact riders and their ability to safely operate their motorcycles.
Wet weather reduces traction and visibility for all motorists, especially riders. Whenever possible, motorcyclists should avoid riding on days the forecast calls for rain, sleet, ice, or snow.
In extreme heat and sun, riders should carry water, wear sunscreen, and take frequent breaks to avoid heat exhaustion and sunburn.
Safety Tip #4
Wear protective gear.
Motorcycle gear is made to protect riders from road debris, weather, and direct contact with the road. While Connecticut does not require all riders to wear motorcycle helmets, helmets are a proven way to prevent head injuries in the event of an accident.
Other protective gear includes:
Goggles
Boots
Gloves
Chaps
A leather jacket
Leather motorcycle gear helps to prevent road rash and keeps foreign matter from embedding into the skin in a skid or minor accident.
Safety Tip #5
Obey all local, state, and federal traffic rules and regulations.
One of the best and simplest motorcycle safety tips is to follow the rules. Nearly half of all motorcycle deaths are the result of excess speed, and intersections are shown to be a hotbed of motorcycle accidents.
To avoid accidents like these, riders can do the following:
Drive the speed limit
Obey traffic signs and signals
Avoid tailgating
When at a four-way stop, riders should always:
Stop completely
Look both ways
Proceed slowly and cautiously through the intersection
Not all motorcycle accidents are preventable. If you or your loved one was the victim of a motorcycle accident, contact an experienced Connecticut motorcycle accident attorney.
Contact an Experienced New Haven Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today
Motorcycle accident injuries have lasting implications for riders and their families. With more than sixty years of experience, Weber & Rubano helps victims of motorcycle accidents secure compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more.