It’s summer, but don’t let the gorgeous weather fool you. For motorcyclists, July is the most dangerous month.
Earlier, Progressive Insurance released some statistics that accident-related claims increase in July. Warm weather is a contributing factor – after all, who doesn’t want to go out and ride? But the weather also brings out other motorists, and the congestion, plus distracted driving, pushes the number of motorcycle-related claims up 78 percent.
So why this increase? A number of factors come into play:
- More motorcyclists, as well as car and truck drivers, come out for the weather to go for a drive.
- Drivers don’t always see bikers – especially when the motorcyclist rides in a blind spot.
- Drivers, in general, go too fast on the roads and aren’t fully alert.
- Roads are still damaged from winter. As a result, potholes may be present.
- Overall, motorcycle riders are six times as likely to be injured in a collision than a car driver is.
Along with these factors, motorcycle accidents seem to be on the rise; in 2014, for instance, there were more single-vehicle claims for motorcycles than for all other types.
What can you do? Rather than stay off the roads completely, practice safe driving for summer weather. This includes:
- Always wear protective clothing, including a helmet. While not required by law in all states, helmets are often a life-saving factor in multi-vehicle collisions.
- Wear bright colors, so other motorists can clearly see you.
- Stay off the road during peak hours. Saturdays tend to be the busiest, as are holidays.
- Always look at what’s ahead and know how to react to it.
- Know how long you and other vehicles need to slow down. For cars at 60 miles per hour, this is about 24 seconds.
- Always give yourself distance between yourself and other drivers.
- Know your surroundings, especially at intersections, in wooded areas, and places where you might spot animals.
- Know when you’re in someone else’s blind spot.
In the event of an accident, get a lawyer involved as soon as you can. Trantolo & Trantolo is the law firm that the motorcycle community turns to. We ride. With having over 145 years of combined riding experience on our staff, which no other firm can claim. Let our family help your family. For more information or to speak with an experienced motorcycle attorney, contact any of our Connecticut law offices.
