Safety Measures to Prevent Motorcycle Accidents in Cranford

There is a persistent belief that motorcycle riders are reckless or risk takers. In fact, most bikers prioritize safety measures to prevent motorcycle accidents in Cranford. Despite their best efforts to stay safe, even the most skilled biker can be seriously injured in a crash when other people are negligent. If you get hurt in a crash that was not your fault, contact the motorcycle accident attorneys at our firm. We provide aggressive representation to ensure motorcyclists receive fair compensation for their injuries.

Safety Classes Benefit All Riders

Anyone under 18 seeking a license or endorsement to operate a motorcycle must take a Motorcycle Safety Education Program Basic Rider Course. The course is optional for adult riders, but even riders who do not need to take the course to get their license should consider it. A basic operator’s course provides refreshers on the laws pertaining to motorcycles and helps all riders develop essential skills.

Some of the more experienced riders can join motorcycle clubs that offer skills development or can take classes offered by local motorcycle shops. A commitment to keeping riding skills sharp is an effective way to stay safe and avoid accidents. A demonstrated commitment to safe motorcycle handling can help a Cranford attorney demonstrate that an injured biker was not at fault in a crash.

Helmets and Safety Gear

New Jersey Statutes § 39:3-76.7 requires motorcycle operators and passengers to wear helmets when the bike is in operation. A DOT-approved, properly fitting helmet is proven to reduce the severity of head injuries among motorcycle riders, as well as fatalities. Riders also must wear eye protection.

Motorcycles must be equipped with at least one headlight and bikers must use a running headlight during daytime operation. Other mandatory motorcycle equipment includes a tail light, brake light, rear reflector, license plate light, and at least one side-mounted mirror. When a crash occurs, it is more difficult for a Cranford attorney to secure reasonable compensation if the motorcycle did not have the appropriate equipment

Conducting a meticulous safety check before every ride is a habit that can keep a rider safe. Ensuring tires have adequate tread depth and are properly inflated is especially important. Riders should also check fluid levels, ensure that the bike’s chassis is not damaged, and confirm that all the lights are operational.

Obey All Applicable Laws

All the laws that apply to other vehicles on the state’s roads apply to motorcycles. Bikers must obey speed limits and traffic signals, use their indicators when turning or merging, and only pass slower vehicles when it is safe to do so.

There is no state statute that specifically addresses lane splitting or lane filtering, which is when a motorcycle passes a vehicle traveling in the same direction in the same lane. However, police can ticket a motorcyclist who splits lanes for improper passing, careless driving, or reckless driving.

Many motorcycle accidents happen because motorists are distracted, impaired, or so focused on other vehicles that they do not see motorcycles nearby. A vigilant biker who is attuned to their surroundings is less likely to get into an accident. When an accident occurs, a Cranford attorney can obtain maximum compensation when they can demonstrate that a biker was operating their machine responsibly and in compliance with the law.

Contact a Cranford Attorney After a Motorcycle Accident

Most motorcycle riders are responsible and safety conscious. However, despite taking appropriate safety measures to prevent motorcycle accidents in Cranford, crashes still occur, and bikers get hurt. Voto & Cavalli knows how to address your financial concerns.

Our skilled personal injury attorneys are always ready to help, so contact our firm immediately to discuss your next legal steps.