The period between Memorial Day and Labor Day is often referred to as the “100 Deadliest Days” because of the significant increase in traffic fatalities across the country. During these summer months, fatal crashes involving motorcyclists rise sharply as more vehicles and riders take to the roads.
According to recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 6,228 motorcyclists were killed in traffic crashes in 2024. Although motorcycles represent a relatively small percentage of vehicles on the road, motorcyclist fatalities accounted for 16% of all traffic deaths.
What Are The Best Safety Practices For Motorcyclists?
Motorcycling offers freedom and excitement, but it also requires heightened awareness and responsibility. Riders can improve their safety by following these best practices:
- Get the Proper License: Obtain a motorcycle endorsement or permit before riding.
- Obey Traffic Laws: Follow the same traffic laws and regulations as all other motorists.
- Share the Road: Stay alert to pedestrians, bicyclists, and larger vehicles.
- Ride Sober: Never operate a motorcycle while impaired by alcohol or drugs
- Wear Protective Gear: Always wear a DOT-compliant helmet, along with protective jackets, gloves, pants, and boots.
- Increase Visibility: Use headlights, wear high-visibility or reflective gear, and position yourself where other drivers can see you.
- Avoid Blind Spots: Stay out of areas where drivers may have difficulty seeing you.
- Continue Your Training: Regularly sharpen your riding skills through rider education and training programs.
How Can SIPDE Help With Risk Management?
Experienced riders often follow the SIPDE framework to identify and respond to hazards:
- Scan: Continuously look ahead, behind, and to the sides for hazards.
- Identify: Spot potential risks, like other vehicles or road obstacles.
- Predict: Anticipate what those hazards might do next.
- Decide: Choose the best action, slow down, change lanes, etc.
- Execute: Carry out your decision and communicate with lights or horn.
Safety Is Everyone’s Responsibility
Motorcycle safety is not solely the responsibility of riders. Drivers play a critical role in preventing crashes and protecting motorcycle riders. Motorcycles are smaller and less visible than passenger vehicles, making it essential for drivers to remain alert and attentive.
Drivers can help keep motorcyclists safe by:
- Looking twice at intersections and before changing lanes
- Checking mirrors and blind spots carefully
- Maintaining a 3–4 second following distance
- Never sharing a lane with a motorcycle
By working together and remaining attentive, both motorcycle riders and automobile drivers can help reduce crashes, prevent injuries, and make the roads safer for everyone during the “100 Deadliest Days” and throughout the year.
What Should I Do After a Motorcycle Accident?
Accidents can be traumatic, particularly when they involve a collision between a motorcycle and a car. The eight steps below are crucial to follow after an accident. Keeping these in mind will help you stay calm and take the right actions, even in a stressful situation.
- Check for injuries.
- Pull over to the side of the road if possible.
- Call the police.
- Exchange information with the other driver.
- Take pictures of the accident scene.
- See if there were witnesses on the scene.
- Contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
- Rest and recover.
To build a strong motorcycle accident claim, it’s essential to preserve evidence immediately, including medical records, crash reports, and witness statements. An experienced attorney can help you understand how these details impact your case and guide you through the process ahead.
Speak to an Experienced Washington Personal Injury Attorney Today
Involved in an accident? An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and legal options after a motorcycle accident.
GLP Attorneys has decades of experience representing individuals and families injured in accidents across the Pacific Northwest. We provide trusted guidance and strong advocacy to help clients move forward after serious injuries.
Call (800) 273- 5005 for a free consultation with a personal injury attorney.
