Safe habits can help lower your odds of a motorcycle accident

Safe habits can help lower your odds of a motorcycle accident

On Behalf of Porter Ramsay LLP | May, 27, 2018 | Uncategorized

With warmer weather moving into British Columbia, you and other motorcyclists in Kelowna and the surrounding areas will likely bring your bikes out from winter storage, ready to enjoy the freedom and exhilaration associated with taking your motorcycle out on the roads. You will definitely want to make safety a top priority for yourself and any passengers during these times since there are many known dangers and accident risks faced daily by riders like yourself.

Some say that riding motorcycles requires more skill than operating automobiles. This is because bikes lack the safety features like seat belts, airbags and other protective measures present in vehicles, thus motorcycle riders need to always take measures to protect themselves.

What makes motorcyclists so vulnerable?

Federal safety standards are in place to make sure bikers are as safe as possible. Along with the fact that motorcyclists do not have the impact protection offered to occupants of a vehicle, the following aspects can significantly increase your vulnerability as a biker:

  • Speed and performance levels of some motorcycles are significantly more potent than automobiles.
  • Vehicle operators often fail to spot oncoming bikes because of their smaller and narrower structures, and when they do see them, motorists frequently misjudge the speed of an approaching motorcycle.
  • The fact that motorcycles have only two wheels limits their points of road contact. This requires particular driving skills to maintain speed and traction while never losing balance.

Legal requirements for motorcycle safety

Under the Motor Vehicle Act, no one in British Columbia may ride on a motorcycle without a safety helmet — this applies to both drivers and passengers. Peace officers have the right to inspect helmets to check for the required DOT symbol to indicate compliance. Although helmets are compulsory, they need not be full-face models, nor are visors required. However, safety authorities recommend that you wear brightly coloured helmets and eye protection.

Riders and passengers must sit astride their respective seats with their feet placed on floorboards or foot pegs. If you have a passenger who is below the age of 16, then it will be your responsibility at all times to make sure that he or she is properly seated and wearing a safety helmet that complies with the required standards.

Where to seek help as a victim of a motorcycle accident?

Although the specially tested approved safety helmets can help prevent serious injuries and fatalities, they do not guarantee safety. If you suffered serious injuries through no fault of your own, you will likely face an incredibly daunting time. You may have to cope with the many challenges that come with ICBC claims at a time when you are trying to recover physically and emotionally from your accident-related injuries.

Fortunately, an experienced personal injury lawyer in Kelowna can conduct a thorough evaluation of your circumstances and ensure the timely handling of the claims process. A lawyer can even fight back if the ICBC failed to award the rightful amount to which you were entitled or if your claim was rejected.

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