Riding a motorcycle can be an exhilarating experience, offering a sense of freedom and adventure. However, it also carries inherent risks that require taking proper precautions. According to the Alabama Department of Transportation, there were 1,818 motorcycle crashes in 2021, resulting in 77 fatalities and 1,178 injuries.

If you’ve been injured due to another’s negligence, an experienced Huntsville motorcycle accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process and help you fight for the compensation you deserve. While some accidents may be unavoidable, following these road safety practices can help reduce your chances of being involved in a devastating crash.

1.    Wear Safety Gear, Whether or Not It’s Required

Wearing proper safety gear is crucial, regardless of whether it’s mandated by law. In Alabama, the law requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear, at minimum, a helmet that meets the standards set by the Department of Transportation (DOT) (Alabama Code § 32-5A-245). Here’s a breakdown of essential safety gear:

  • Helmets: A DOT-approved helmet can reduce the risk of head injuries. Statistics from the NHTSA indicate helmets are about 37% effective in preventing motorcycle fatalities, which means more than one in three fatal injuries can be averted by wearing a helmet!
  • Jackets and Pants: Wearing a motorcycle jacket and pants made from durable materials like leather or Kevlar and featuring additional padding on critical areas like the hips, knees, and shoulders can protect your skin from severe abrasions in the event of an accident.
  • Gloves: Motorcycle gloves provide a better grip and protect your hands from injuries. Look for gloves with reinforced knuckles and padding.
  • Boots: Sturdy boots that cover your ankles offer protection against foot and ankle injuries. Boots with non-slip soles can also help you maintain control of your motorcycle.

2.    Drive Defensively

Motorcycle riders are often overlooked by other motorists. This means you need to take a proactive approach to staying safe on the road, including:

  • Maintaining a Safe Following Distance: This allows more reaction time to respond to sudden stops or unexpected maneuvers by other drivers.
  • Stay Alert and Minimize Distractions: In Alabama, it is illegal to operate a vehicle while using a handheld wireless communication device, such as a cell phone. This counts whether you’re driving a car or operating a motorcycle. Hands-free devices, like motorcycle helmets equipped with Bluetooth, are legal. However, you should also be mindful of loud music that might impede your ability to hear traffic sounds. Scan your surroundings constantly, anticipating potential hazards like other vehicles merging or changing lanes and road debris.
  • Use Your Signals Effectively: Communicate your intentions clearly to other drivers by using turn signals and brake lights before turning and stopping.
  • Be Extra Cautious Around Blind Spots: Large vehicles like trucks and buses have large blind spots. Avoid lingering in these areas and make yourself visible by maintaining a safe distance or making eye contact with the driver when possible.

3.    Keep Your Motorcycle in Good Condition

Regular maintenance and inspections are crucial for ensuring your motorcycle is in optimal condition for safe riding. Before each ride, perform a quick check of the following:

  • Tire Pressure and Tread Depth: Underinflated or worn tires can lead to dangerous blowouts or loss of traction. Alabama’s minimum legal tread depth is 2⁄32”; you can check your bike’s tread depth using the penny test.
  • Fluid Levels: Check oil, coolant, and brake fluid levels to prevent mechanical failures or loss of braking power.
  • Lights, Turn Signals, and Horns: Check that your signaling equipment is fully working to ensure proper visibility and your ability to communicate with other drivers.
  • Throttle, Brakes, and Suspension Components: Check for smooth operation and responsiveness.

Also, follow the manufacturer’s recommended service schedule for maintenance, including for oil changes, brake pad replacements, and tune-ups. A well-maintained motorcycle is less likely to experience mechanical failures that could lead to a crash.

4.    Follow Traffic Rules and Speed Limits

Just like car drivers, motorcycle riders are subject to all traffic laws and regulations in Alabama. Here are some reminders:

  • Obey Speed Limits: Speeding is a major factor in motorcycle accidents. In 2021, approximately 33% of motorcycle operators involved in fatal crashes across the nation were speeding. Riders aged 21 to 24 years exhibited the highest incidence of speeding in fatal crashes, at 49% among all rider age groups.

Alabama has designated speed limits for different road types. Adhere to these restrictions and adjust your speed according to weather conditions and traffic volume.

  • Avoid Lane Splitting: This practice of riding a motorcycle between lanes of stopped or slow-moving traffic is illegal in Alabama and increases the risk of getting clipped by a car changing lanes.
  • Never Ride Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs: Impaired judgment and reaction time are leading causes of motorcycle accidents. If you’ve been drinking, don’t ride.

5.    Take Advanced Riding Courses

While Alabama does not have a state-run motorcycle safety course program, many approved providers offer valuable training opportunities for riders, such as:

These courses, taught by certified instructors, allow riders to hone their skills in a controlled environment and learn proper techniques for everything from basic motorcycle operation to hazard avoidance maneuvers. Many insurance companies also provide discounts for completing approved safety courses.

Get Qualified Legal Representation After a Motorcycle Accident

Despite your best efforts to ride safely, accidents can still occur due to the negligence of other drivers. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Alabama, seek the guidance of an experienced Huntsville motorcycle accident lawyer.

At Tyler Mann Injury Law, our dedicated legal team understands the unique challenges and risks motorcycle riders face. We can thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your accident, gather evidence, and build a solid case to pursue the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation, and let us fight for your rights on the road.