The lives of two female motorcycle riders were threatened yesterday when they collided with a truck that turned left in front of them. Both women are in critical condition, but the motorcycle accident easily could have been fatal had they not worn their helmets.
With so many students heading back to school this month, it seems like a great time to reflect on the need to educate all riders and drivers in motorcycle safety. In 2004, there were only 40,964 motorcycles registered in the state of Utah. Five years later, we nearly doubled that number and were up to 78,302. So whether you’re a die-hard motorcyclist, blazing through even the toughest winter storms, or an over-zealous SUV driver who has never sat on a bike and can’t stand sharing the road, there are nearly 80,000 reasons to slow down, learn a little more, and sharpen our focus.
The Truth About Motorcycle Education
Although getting a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license does not require taking a rider training course, such instruction is available and may be worth looking into. According to the Utah Department of Public Safety, “Utah motorcyclists who have not taken a rider education course have been 15 times more likely to be killed in a motorcycle crash than those who have completed a training course.” Let’s take this one step further and suggest that even those who are not riding motorcycles could benefit from taking these classes because we all want to stay safe out there.
If you’re riding a bike, and want to avoid those awful motorcycle accidents, make yourself visible. Wear bright clothing, always use your headlights, wear a helmet, and make certain that other drivers know you are there. Of course it is best to avoid any type of accident, but if you’re a motorcyclist and it’s too late for motorcycle accident prevention, you may need an attorney that can help you understand the legal options available to you. Call the motorcycle accident attorneys at the Christensen Law Firm for a free consultation 801-506-0800.