Posted in News on July 8, 2016
While summer has been in full swing for a few weeks, motorists in Montana have been sharing the road with motorcycles for several weeks. Whether they are traveling alone or in large groups, drivers are often concerned when they are traveling near these small vehicles. Because they are not equipped with a metal exterior shell, when a motorcyclist is involved in even a minor accident, it is likely that the riders will suffer injuries.
Nonetheless, some motorists believe that because motorcyclists wear a helmet and weave through vehicles, they are both protected and causing risks. These are just examples of some of the myths surrounding motorcycles, and this post seeks to debunk some of the most common myths spread about motorcycles in order to increase motorcycle safety.
First, some believe that the reason motorcyclists wear leather is to look cool or portray a biker image. This in fact is incorrect, and padded leather is worn primarily as a source of protection. While some might like the style, leather is very resistant to abrasion, which helps protect the rider from scraps, cuts and road rash in the event of an accident.
Second, some believe that full-faced helmets restrict the visibility of a biker. This is erroneous, and these helmets do not restrict visibility in any way. Moreover, they serve to protect the rider from outside elements and bugs. Next, some are under the impression that large bikes are great for beginners. This is not correct, however, the lightest bikes are not the best either. Middleweight bikes are considered the easiest to maneuver and are the best for new riders.
The biggest myth surrounding motorcycles is that drivers will see them. Motorcyclists are taught to drive defensively and actively anticipate that drivers won’t see them. However, drivers still fail to check their mirrors and blind spots, thus causing a serious collision.
Other myths include: loud pipes save the lives of motorcyclists, roads and streets are safer for motorcyclists than interstates and motorcyclists should lay down their bike if they are about to crash. All these myths are incorrect and could in fact put a motorcyclist in more danger.
The negligence of another driver is often the cause of a motorcycle crash. Therefore, it is crucial to increase motorcycle awareness. Those involved in a motorcycle collision should take steps to understand their cause and what recourses are available to them to recover compensation for their injuries and damages.
Source: Huffington Post, “7 Myths About Motorcycle Safety That Need To Go Away,” May 2, 2016