Motorcycle Safety

Motorcyclists made up 10% of all Kentucky roadway fatalities in 2017, according to the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety. Drivers and motorcyclists could prevent accidents, injuries, and deaths by learning how to share the road with some motorcycle safety tips.

Watch For Motorcycles

Many motorcycle accidents are the result of a driver not seeing the motorcyclist. Motorists should pay special attention to their blind spots and ensure they are watching for approaching motorcycles. Drivers of larger vehicles should make it a habit to look down as well as forward when changing lanes, as the motorcyclist may not be visible at eye level.

Additionally, motorcyclists should exercise caution when changing lanes or when in areas where there are blind driveways and dangerous intersections. Motorcyclists should also ride one to a lane for additional visibility.

Motorcycle Safety

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), wearing a helmet saved more than 1,800 lives in 2016. An additional 800 could have likely been saved, had they also worn helmets. Motorcycle helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 69% and reduce the risk of death by 37%. Kentucky law allows registered motorcycle owners above the age of 21 to ride without a helmet. While you are allowed to do so, it is not wise and can lead to permanent injuries or death.

All motorcyclists should have proper training before operating a motorcycle. Here are some key points to consider:

• Get trained and licensed
• Always wear protective gear
• Never ride while impaired
• Ride within your limits
• Commit to continual learning

The Kentucky Motorcycle Education Commission offers several classes to help riders learn the needed skills to properly and safely operate a motorcycle on Kentucky roadways. 

Motorcycle Accidents

Accidents involving a motorcycle and another type of vehicle often result in severe injuries to the motorcyclist. The most common types of injuries include head trauma, back, and neck injuries, and broken bones. Recovery after a motorcycle accident can be long and painful, and the medical expenses can be astronomical. 

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident that was the fault of another motor vehicle operator, contact a personal injury attorney at Saladino & Schaaf to discuss your case or call 270-444-0406 to speak with a trusted member of our team today.