Motorcycle Safety in Washington, D.C.

Motorcycles in bright colors lined up on the street.
The color of your motorcycle can make the difference between being in an accident or staying safe. A black motorcycle, though highly prized, is difficult to see at night and in inclement weather. A white, yellow or red bike is more visible.

Practicing Motorcycle Safety

Like other large cities, Washington, D.C. puts a premium on motorcycle safety. Nevertheless, accidents happen every day. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 4,985 motorcyclists died in 2018 nationwide. This number of deaths and an associated 89,000 injuries makes it clear that motorcyclists need to learn how to stay safe. Let’s look at the ways this can happen as we move into spring and summer. 

Helping Motorcyclists After an Accident – The Roeser Law Firm

Our attorneys are well aware of the joy and freedom motorcycle enthusiasts feel when they take to the road. Unfortunately, many motorcycle riders in Washington, D.C. and the surrounding area face the anguish of a motorcycle accident. At my law firm we do everything we can to make their burden easier. We work hard to obtain the compensation the motorcyclist deserves when traumatic injuries involve negligence by another entity or person.

Why Are Motorcycles Dangerous?

Motorcycles can be dangerous due to their own design attributes and negligent motor vehicle drivers. Ergonomically, a motorcycle does not have the same level of stability that a four-wheeled vehicle does. This presents a problem when roadway conditions are poorly maintained. Hitting a pothole can lead to an accident. In such cases, the government agency in charge of road maintenance may be held liable for the rider’s injuries. 

Since a motorcycle is less visible on the road, the risk of being struck by a passenger vehicle increases. The most common types of a motorcycle/passenger vehicle accident are left turns and head-on collisions where the driver is not looking for a motorcyclist. All-in-all, motorcyclists have to be proactive by knowing motorcycle safety techniques.

Let Your Motorcycle’s Color Keep You Safe

The color of your motorcycle can make the difference between being in an accident or staying safe. A black motorcycle, though highly prized, is difficult to see at night and in inclement weather. A white, yellow or red bike is more visible.

Reflective Tape Increases Visibility

At night, reflective tape can make a big difference in terms of visibility. Reflective tape can illuminate the fenders of the bike when a motor vehicle’s headlights shine on it. Some helmets are made with reflective areas built in. Both are an enormous safety feature for motorcyclists traveling at night. 

Built-In Air Bags

A motorcycle lacks the type of protection that air bags provide. However, manufacturers have devised lightweight and durable jackets, vests and full body suits with built-in air bags. They inflate at impact by using electronic sensors. They are costly but give the motorcyclist an extra measure of protection they would ordinarily lack.

Anti-Lock Brakes

The use of anti-lock brakes can increase motorcycle safety for a rider. One of the biggest risks a motorcyclist faces occurs when their brakes lock. By adding anti-lock brakes to your motorcycle’s profile, this can be prevented.

Helmets Add to Motorcycle Safety

As you may know, helmets are a major element in keeping a motorcyclist safe. Due to motor vehicle driver negligence and poor road conditions, motorcyclists need to be prepared for an accident. One way to prevent head injury and the disability such injuries cause is to wear a helmet. In fact, 37 percent of all head-trauma-related deaths and 67 percent of all head injuries can be prevented or lessened by the use of an approved helmet. 

The Roeser Law Firm Can Help

When you are involved in a motorcycle accident, you can face traumatic injuries, loss of income and pain and suffering that keeps you from living your life to the fullest. The Roeser Law Firm will investigate the accident to determine liability and help you obtain the compensation you deserve. 
Call us at (202) 660-4070 to schedule a free case review. We’ll answer your questions and let you know your options going forward. You can also use our online contact form if that is more convenient for you.

Photo Attribution: https://pixabay.com/photos/motorcycle-pocket-bike-motorcyclist-3302119/

Zeke Roeser

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3000 Connecticut Avenue NW
Suite 140
Washington, DC 20008
(202) 660-4070