For many, spring is the perfect time to take the motorcycle out of storage for a ride across Connecticut’s many picturesque back roads. However, with warm weather comes an increased accident risk. As bike lawyers serving clients in Connecticut and surrounding states, Trantolo & Trantolo prides ourselves on ensuring the safety of the motorcycle community. Along with our knowledge and legal representation, Trantolo & Trantolo is known for our dedication to riders and experience in such cases.
In line with our passion for fighting on behalf of motorcyclists throughout Connecticut, Trantolo & Trantolo participates in National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, held yearly in May. For those that are unaware, motorcyclists are far more vulnerable to crashes than your average motorists in cars and trucks – particularly as a biker has a greater chance of being hidden in the motorist’s blind spot.
As the National Safety Council points out, fatalities in motorcycle accidents increased 131 percent from 1998 to 2008. Along with this statistic, the death rate in these collisions is 37 times greater for motorcyclists than for passengers in cars.
Both motorcycle riders and motorists are advised to follow the National Safety Council’s suggestions for sharing the road. Alertness from both parties is a must to prevent accidents, but the following suggestions should be taken into consideration:
For motorcyclists:
• Always obey the rules of the road
• Be prepared with the necessary protective gear, including a Department of Transportation-compliant helmet
• Stay off all roads in bad weather
• Be aware when you’re in a motorist’s blind spot and move to a part of the road where you’re more visible
• Always use turn signals for lane changes and making turns
For motorists:
• Drive at a greater distance when you’re behind a motorcyclist
• Be extra-vigilant at intersections
• Never share your lane with a motorcycle
