MassDOT launched a new Motorcycle Safety Campaign in May, which was Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. The campaign includes 4 unique videos with MassDOT employees, who are also riders, sharing their riding experiences and discussing common safety problems motorcyclists face on the roads.
The video awareness series features 14 different motorcyclists who share their inspiration for safe riding, the importance of motorcycle training, their safety advice for motorist drivers and other motorcycle riders, and about one of the most dangerous crash scenarios: vehicles making unsafe left turns.
We will share highlights from each of the videos and the videos for you to watch for yourself.
Video 1: Who Do You Ride Safely For?
The most resounding answer from the men and women who ride was “my family.” Another MassDOT employee explained he rides safely for himself so that he can be there for his family. Other riders said they practice safe riding specifically for their sons, daughters, spouses, friends, and puppies.
Take a moment to think about your riding habits and who you ride safely for every day.
Video 2: Drivers Making Unsafe Left Turns
In this video, MassDOT employees share their experiences with seeing cars approach intersections to make left-hand turns and not being sure if the drivers see them approach on their bikes. One rider shares that he experiences close calls at least once or twice each year when a car will pull out directly in front of him and won't stop until it’s already directly in his lane.
“I’ve never been in a crash that way, but I know people who have,” says one employee. “It’s unfortunate to see so many crashes of that nature taking people’s lives and impacting so many lives,” says another.
Some riders said they ride with high beams on all the time to try to keep safe. Others said they always slow down for intersections, others will scan the road far ahead to anticipate poor driving, and some will come to a stop and let cars go or will raise their hands or rev their engines to make sure drivers are aware of them. Many people also said that they make eye contact with the drivers to ensure that drivers see them.
Video 3: Advice For Drivers
“Look for what you know is there, and look for what you don’t know is there,” said one rider.
Many MassDOT employees and motorcyclists asked drivers to truly pay attention to the road and their surroundings. They encouraged drivers to be aware of their situation at all times and to focus on driving without letting distractions steal their attention from the road.
Motorcyclists are everywhere in Massachusetts, and riders encourage drivers to always look twice for motorcycles, mopeds, and bikes. Riders reminded drivers that people on bikes have families and asked drivers always to use caution behind the wheel.
Video 4: Safety Tips For Motorcycle Riders
Finally, MassDOT employees and motorcyclists also provided safety tips for motorcycle riders.
To anyone who is a new motorcyclist: “You are not invincible,” shared one rider, “Take your time. Get practice. Ride Cautiously.”
Other advice included:
- Have the proper equipment & always be on the defense
- Look bright & be visible
- Ride within your comfort zone
- Anticipate the worst possibilities ahead of you
- Ride safely and respectfully of cars on the road
- Everyone should consider and attend motorcycle training and a safety course
Motorcycle Safety Is A Year-Round Affair: Motorcycle Injury Attorney Shares Safety Tips
While May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, motorcycle safety is something all motorcyclists are cautious of year-round. As motorcycle accident and injury attorneys in Massachusetts (whether you’re in the North Shore, downtown Boston, or anywhere in the state), we have various resources available for learning more about safe riding.
Check out any of our following blogs to learn more:
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Motorcycle Hand Signals
- Download our FREE motorcycle hand signals guide here!
- One of the best ways to prepare for a group motorcycle ride is to clarify with all the riders what hand signals you will use, what the hand signals mean, and when you will use them.
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What You Need To Know About Spring Riding in Massachusetts
- There are unique risks involved with late-winter and early spring motorcycle riding in Massachusetts. We talk about road conditions, the gear you need to stay warm, and provide a spring riding checklist to make sure your motorcycle is ready for riding.
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Motorcycle Riding Safety Checklist
- This blog breaks down the motorcycle laws for permits and licenses you need to know as a motorcycle rider in Massachusetts and how to prepare for a safe ride – from gear and proper equipment to a pre-ride bike check (and more!).
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How to Ride in Cold Weather In Massachusetts
- This blog is full of information and tips for fall and winter motorcycle riding in Massachusetts. We cover the three most important hazards to be aware of in the fall and the necessary gear you will need for winter riding.
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Riding While High: Motorcycle Safety and Marijuana Use
- Learn about the marijuana laws in Massachusetts and what you need to know as a motorcyclist. We cover whether you can have marijuana with you on your bike, if you can smoke or use marijuana before riding, the difference between a few beers and a joint, and the different ways marijuana can affect your ability to operate a motorcycle.
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The 10 Most Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in Massachusetts
- The 10 most common causes of motorcycle accidents in Massachusetts are: car doors, unsafe lane changes, speeding, operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol, sudden stops, driver inexperience, road hazards, motorcycle defects, lane splitting, and left-turn accidents.
- Learn more about common accident types and other Massachusetts motorcycle tips and laws here.
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5 Tips to Prove You’re Not At Fault for a Motorcycle Crash
- As a practicing injury lawyer, I’ve found that most motorcyclists try to be the safest on the roads; they must be; their lives depend on it. There is no such thing as a “fender bender” or a “minor” crash on a motorcycle. There is a 98% chance of injury to the rider in a collision with a car or truck and a 45% chance of serious injury. This blog provides 5 valuable tips for anyone involved in a motorcycle accident, so they have the best chance of being fairly compensated for their damages.
Were You Injured In A Motorcycle Accident? Schedule a FREE Consultation Today
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to remember that you are not automatically at fault. But due to motorcycle bias, you will need to work harder to prove your case and that requires the skill of an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer.
At Spada Law Group, we have helped countless riders obtain the compensation they deserve after being involved in a motorcycle crash. We want to help you too.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let us put our experience to work for you. We service the entire state of Massachusetts and have offices in Chelsea, Peabody, Worcester, and Newburyport. If coming to our office is inconvenient, we can handle your entire case virtually through Zoom, so do not let geographical distance stop you from getting the help you deserve.
