After the frigid weather we have endured, it is a thrill to look at the seven-day forecast and see a possible 67 degrees!! We want to remind you that the sounds of warmer weather include the hum of motorcycles.
Warmer weather means motorcycle season and as a driver you should keep a lookout for motorcyclist. As well, motorcyclists must realize that drivers have spent the last 3-4 months not looking for them, so motorcyclists will want to be extra careful when venturing out next week.
Motorcycle Awareness
During the cold winter months in Missouri and Illinois, drivers of cars and truck become accustomed to seeing very few motorcyclist. However, when the temperatures begin to warm, motorcyclists will be dusting off their bikes and taking to the highways and city streets. As a driver of a car or truck, you have to be constantly on the lookout for motorcyclist and bicyclist especially during warmer weather. While Motorycle Awareness Month is not until May, I would venture to guess many motorcyclist will be on the roadways before then including next week in our area.
Motorcyclist Responsibilities for Safety–Wear a Helmet
- Wear a DOT (Department of Transportation) approved helmet while riding a motorcycle
- It is recommended that motorcyclist wear reflective clothing in order to increase their visibility to other motorists.
- All motorcycle riders need to complete a motorcycle safety course
- Be certain you can truly manage the size of motorcycle you are riding. A temptation is to ride a larger and faster bike before you are ready to do so safely.
Motorcycle Facts:
- 4,957 motorcyclist were killed in 2012 which was a 7 % increase from 2011 (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration)
- Use of DOT-compliant helmets remained at 60% in 2013, unchanged from 2012
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reminds us to Share the Road and Ride Sober or Get Pulled Over. All motorists are reminded to share the road with motorcycles and that includes being extra careful to help keep motorcyclists safe. While on the roadways, check your blind spots as motorcyclists are much smaller than cars and can easily be lost in your rear view. Also, intersections are another location where drivers often do not see motorcyclists.
Help Keep the Roadways Safe and Keep a Lookout for Motorcyclists
A Common Motorcycle Accident Question I am asked is, “Does it matter if I was not wearing a motorcycle helmet during my accident?
Were You Hurt in a Missouri Motorcycle Crash?
The first question I then ask the potential client is, “Where you hurt? If you were hurt in a motorcycle crash in Missouri and you were not wearing a helmet, then you have a problem. If you want to have any chance at possibly getting compensation in a motorcycle injury claim, you will need legal representation. Missouri law requires all motorcycle riders to wear a helmet. You may think that while shooting down the side streets in downtown St. Louis on a scooter, a helmet is not important, but you would be wrong. You should always wear a helmet on any type of motorcycle, legally in the state of Missouri.
Were You Hurt in an Illinois Motorcycle Crash?
If you were injured in an Illinois motorcycle accident, then in the letter of the law, you were not required to wear a helmet. However, in both state scenarios, the general public who sits on a jury will question why you were not wearing a helmet while operating a motorcycle.
While most people ride/drive cars daily, not everyone rides a motorcycle. Often times, people have the perception that motorcycle riders are risk takers. Therefore, if you were not wearing a helmet and were seriously injured, some individuals may view your lack of a helmet as a disregard for your own personal safety. This is only important as the general public make up juries.
While our attorneys do not agree that motorcyclists are by nature risk takers and irresponsible, it is a common misconception shared by some. We know there are many more motorcyclists who are extremely safety-conscious and responsible. Motorcyclist have the right to share the road just as any other motorist. And, if you are operating a motorcycle safely and someone hits and injures you, you need and deserve compensation for your injuries.
If you are injured in a motorcycle crash, chances are your injuries are serious in nature and you will need legal representation. Call The Cagle Law Firm seven days a week toll free 1-800-685-3302 or locally 314-276-1681
http://www.allinjuryattorney.com St Louis motorcycle accident attorney discusses the laws in Missouri and Illinois regarding helmet use. Wearing a helmet is considered the safer option, but is not always required in all states. Zane points out the issues if you are in a motorcycle accident and you are not wearing a helmet.
