| Arleen Lazarus | 0 Comments | MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS | , , ,

How to Avoid the Most Common Motorcycle Accidents

avoid motorcycle accidentsThe comedian Norm MacDonald does a routine about people worrying about death. A lot of people get on an airplane and immediately start to worry the plane will crash. Ridiculous, says Norm, and he’s right. Airplanes are extremely safe. He explains that some people obsess that they will be attacked and killed by terrorists! Also, highly unlikely. But, he asks, “what are the chances you will be attacked and killed by your own heart? About 100%.” The point is, if you take time to take care of your heart and your body you’ll surely live longer.

Motorcycles are obviously a lot of fun to ride for many people. I know many motorcycle enthusiasts who would never give up the experience no matter how dangerous it may or may not be. Being aware of the most common causes for motorcycle accidents and ways to avoid them is the key to enjoying motorcycles for many safe years. So what are the 10 most common causes for accidents? We’re going to cover 5 in this article, and 5 more later.

NOTE: These are tips. We are not motorcycle safety experts. We encourage all motorcyclists to take regular safety training from certified safety instructors. In south Florida contact the Safety Council of Palm Beach County or Motorcycle Safety of Florida.

Avoid Motorcycle Accidents

1 –  Someone Turns Left in Front of You.

How to avoid: You must see it coming and anticipate it. If there is a gap in traffic coming the other direction, watch carefully for someone who might try to turn left. Don’t count on a turn signal since most people just don’t use them. See if the person seems to have locked on to you with their eyes. Are they focusing on you or on the direction they want to go? Usually it’s the latter. Are their wheels turned left already? Is there someone behind you? What is the road surface? All this data streams into your brain as you have less than a millisecond to make a decision. It’s just a good idea to reduce speed and stay focused. Also, is your headlight on?

Read more “How to Avoid the Most Common Motorcycle Accidents”

Florida Motorcycle Accident Attorney
| Gary T. Lazarus | 0 Comments | MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENTS, Uncategorized | , ,

Motorcycle Safety is a Two-Way Street

Working Together Towards a Solution Will Save Lives

Two_Way_StreetWe have posted a lot of data on motorcycle accidents, injuries, and fatalities. The news is never good and it’s getting worse because accidents are becoming more frequent.

We are asking automobile drivers and motorcyclists to take a few moments today and learn 3 things they can be done to make the roads safer for everyone.

Automobile Drivers:

  • Never, ever, text and drive. Distracted driving in one form or another is likely the primary cause for drivers not seeing motorcycles. Turn your phone off when you drive and take care of messages when you arrive at your destination. Nothing is more important than focusing on the road and your surroundings.
  • Look twice. When you go to pull out onto a high-traffic road, check for oncoming traffic. Then look again. In the instant you begin pulling out, a motorcyclist may have moved into the lane you are intending to occupy. Check twice, save a life.
  • Use your mirrors. Both side-view and your rear-view mirrors are there for a reason. Adjust them before you start driving and make sure they are properly lined up. Look carefully for motorcycles before you change lanes. Lane changes by cars into the pathway of motorcycles is a common catalyst for serious crashes.

Motorcyclists:

  • Don’t buy more bike than you can handle. There are no clear statistics for this, but many accident investigators believe that some people ride motorcycles that are simply too large and too powerful, and they crash. If you are 5’7” and weigh 160 pounds, you probably should not consider buying a 197 horsepower Yamaha V-Max. It’s not an issue of how tough you are, it’s buying the right bike to maximize performance and safety.
  • Invest in Anti-Lock Brakes. This is a proven life-saving advancement and it’s worth the cost. The reason is simple: Locking up the brakes in a panic stop robs the rider of any steering control. That can easily lead to a skid and crash, which can result in serious injury. ABS helps you retain steering control during an emergency stop, and it can be especially valuable in slippery conditions.
  • Wear the right gear. Jeans, a T-shirt, and sandals are recipes for a painful disaster on a bike. Specially designed jackets with rugged padding and breathable mesh material provide protection as well as ventilation for riding in warm weather. You’ll also want effective eye protection; don’t rely on eyeglasses or a bike’s windscreen. Use a helmet visor or goggles. And keep in mind that car drivers who have hit a motorcycle rider often say they just didn’t see them, so choose gear in bright colors.

Working together, we can save lives.

The Law Office of Lazarus and Lazarus has been helping the victims of motorcycle accidents for over 20 years and we understand the special circumstances that go along with these serious incidents. If you or someone you know has been involved in a motorcycle crash, please reach out to Gary or Arleen Lazarus by calling 954-356-0606 and we will be happy to meet with you promptly and confidentially.