When it comes to something like motorcycle riding, an activity that thousands partake in, it’s essential to understand the rules of the road. Sometimes, facts get skewed.
If you’re going to be riding a motorcycle, it’s important to learn fact versus fiction. While it’s difficult to pinpoint where or when they began, there are some very common motorcycle myths that float around with even experienced motorcycle riders. Knowing them could keep motorcycle riders informed and help them stay safe. Our firm is here to set the record straight.
Helmets aren’t safe.
A common misconception is that helmets do not make riding safer. Some argue that wearing helmets does not decrease the risk of injury. However, this is false. Head injuries are some of the most severe injuries that the body can withstand, and helmets are meant to prevent these in the event of an accident.
Motorcycle accidents are 29 times more deadly than normal vehicular accidents. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also reported that only about 50 percent of motorcyclists killed in collisions were wearing helmets at the time.
Some also argue that helmets hinder riders’ abilities to see. However, the Department of Transportation requires helmets to provide at least a 210-degree range of view. As the normal range of peripheral vision is only 180, this allows plenty of room to for riders to see.
Young riders are more likely to be injured motorcycle crashes.
Whether it’s because of age or lack of experience, many people believe that younger riders are more likely to be in motorcycle accidents or be killed in a collision. However, this isn’t actually the case.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the demographic most at risk to be killed in motorcycle-related accidents are people between the ages of 40 and 55. The administration reported that 40 percent of those killed in motorcycle accidents were 42 years old on average.
A study by Brown University showed this may be due to a decline in vision or the larger-sized bikes the generation prefers, which tend to roll over more often.
Racing tires are safer than road tires.
When a motorcyclist is driving on a standard road or highway, there is no need to get racing tires, nor are they safer than road tires. The two kinds of tires have two completely different functions and work for different purposes.
Racing tires work at very high speeds by increasing temperature on the tire and improving grip with the road. Unless a rider is breaking the law, they won’t be getting up to speeds that allow racing tires to do the job they were designed for. In addition, racing tires also have fewer grooves. This can make them more dangerous when riding, especially in the rain, and increase the chances of a motorcyclist falling off his or her bike.
Help From an Experienced Motorcycle Accident Attorney
No matter what age you are or the amount of experience you have riding a motorcycle, accidents can still happen to anyone and anywhere. It’s essential to always be hyperaware of others on the road.
Our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys have years of experience helping personal injury victims with their cases, and we can help you with yours. We can travel down this road together.
