The 30th Annual Ride to Work day is Monday, June 21st. Ride to Work day is a day used to promote the everyday usage and safety of motorcycles and scooters. Organized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, this day is not only used to promote the safe riding practices of two wheeled motor vehicles, but also to remember the unfortunate injuries and deaths that have come as a result of motorcycle and scooter crashes.
Motorcycle crashes make up 5 percent of all highway crashes, and riders are 29 times more likely to suffer fatal injuries than any other person operating a vehicle. Additionally, 45 percent of motorcycle related crashes result in serious injuries. Although we cannot control other drivers on the road, using preventative measures is the most effective way to ensure safety while riding a motorcycle or scooter:
- Always wear a helmet regardless of what the state law requires
- Wear the proper attire when riding to protect yourself from potential threats
- Limit your proximity to other riders and to drivers in general to ensure you have plenty of time to make driving decisions
- Do not drive a motorcycle or scooter under the influence of any drugs or alcohol
- Be mindful of other drivers and how their actions could affect your driving path
- Identify possible faults with your vehicle before taking it onto the road
- Recognize what safe and unsafe driving conditions look like
Vigilance should not always fall on the shoulders of the person driving the motorcycle or scooter. As a driver, there are many ways we can protect motorcyclists:
- Be mindful of the space your vehicle takes up on the road
- Respect other vehicles space whilst driving; give motorcycles extra room when breaking
- Allow motorcycles to pass your vehicle by remaining at a constant speed
- Be alert while driving; eliminate all possible distractions before operating your vehicle
- Do not drive whilst under the influence of any drugs or alcohol
Remaining diligent is important whilst riding a motorcycle or scooter. Recognizing possible threats before they become an issue is key to safe riding practices. However, diligence cannot always protect us from certain injuries that happen because of others negligence. Sometimes other drivers can cause damages that we are unable to avoid. In these cases, an attorney may be able to assist you in seeking the proper compensation for your injuries. If you or a loved one has experienced injuries due to the carelessness of another person’s driving, contact the attorneys at Spiros Law, P.C. and schedule a free consultation to discuss the details of your case at (815) 929-9292.
