When riding a motorcycle, there are tips that you can follow to ensure that you have a safe traveling experience. Motorcycles are fun but inherently less stable than cars. They do not provide as much protection as cars because they are not enclosed. Therefore, all safety precautions should be taken when operating a motorcycle.
In addition to properly inspecting your motorcycle before riding, below are some motorcycle safety tips that all riders should follow.
- Attend a motorcycle rider training class.
- Many technical colleges in South Carolina offer rider education courses. If you live in Columbia, you can take the course at Midlands Technical College. Charleston residents may attend a course at Trident Technical College, and Greenville residents can visit Greenville Technical College for training. The Basic Motorcycle Course consists of ten (10) hours of classroom time and ten (10) hours of practical application (i.e. riding). Tuition ranges from $239-$309.
- Wear protective gear, especially a helmet.
- There are currently nineteen (19) states that have implemented laws requiring motorcycle operators and passengers to wear helmets. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, helmets reduce the risk of death by 37% and reduce the risk of head injuries by 69%. In South Carolina, if you are under the age of twenty-one (21) and operating a motorcycle or a passenger on a motorcycle, you must wear a helmet approved by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety. The helmet must have either a neck or chin strap and be reflectorized on both sides. Unless a wind screen is on the motorcycle, goggles or face shields are also required by operators under the age of twenty-one (21).
- Be mindful of your surroundings.
- Never assume that other drivers can see you. Try to stay out of blind spots, and signal well in advance of changing lanes. It is best to ride defensively.
Do you need a motorcycle wreck lawyer?
You should not have to deal with the insurance companies alone. Our attorneys handle claims every day, and we file lawsuits when warranted. At the Solomon Law Group, we will represent you and fight for you. We want you to be able to focus all of your attention on your recovery and well-being.
Reginald Hair is an associate attorney at the Solomon Law Group and has worked for one of the largest personal injury law firms in South Carolina. He has solely practiced personal injury law since 2016.
Carl Solomon is a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum® and has received the coveted AV Peer Review Rating™ from Martindale-Hubble®. He has also been recognized by Super Lawyers® and Best Lawyers in America®. He is the founder of the Solomon Law Group, LLC, which represents clients throughout South Carolina.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle wreck, call the Solomon Law Group today at 803-219-8870 or get in touch online. You can speak with a lawyer about your options for free.
