Motorcycle Safety Tips in Texas
Motorcycles serve as both transportation and recreation. Unfortunately, if the right precautions are not taken, they can also be dangerous. If you’re a motorcyclist in Texas, it’s important to follow safety tips to protect yourself and others on the road.
With over 25 years of experience and more than $100 million recovered on behalf of injured clients, the Fort Worth motorcycle accident lawyers at Stephens Law understand the devastation motorcycle accidents can cause.
If you have questions about operating your motorcycle safely or if you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, give Stephens Law Firm, PLLC a call at (817) 420-7000, and we’ll help you understand your legal options. Your initial consultation is free.
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How Can Stephens Law Help Me After a Motorcycle Accident in Texas?
Whether you simply want to understand motorcycle safety further or if you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, our Texas personal injury lawyers can help.
When you give us a call to arrange a free consultation, we’ll go over your situation and share our approach to handling motorcycle accident cases.
The steps we take include:
- Investigating the accident
- Gathering and examining evidence
- Consulting with renowned Texas experts
- Negotiating with all parties involved
- Representing you in court if a settlement offer is not forthcoming
Our Fort Worth personal injury lawyers know motorcycle safety inside and out. Meet with us to better understand how to operate your motorcycle safely and in compliance with Texas motorcycle laws.
What Are Some Important Motorcycle Safety Tips in Texas?
Our legal team has compiled a set of safety tips that can help you protect yourself and other motorists on the road.
Wear a Helmet
This may seem like a basic tip, but you may be surprised at how often motorcyclists disregard helmet laws.
The State of Texas licensing requires anyone under the age of 21 to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle. If you are over the age of 21, you must still wear a helmet unless you meet one of the following requirements:
- Completed a motorcycle safety course approved by the state: or
- Have an insurance plan to cover healthcare costs in the event of an accident
Despite these exceptions, it is never advisable to ride a motorcycle without a helmet. Studies have shown that helmets are nearly 70% effective in preventing brain injuries, and helmets also improve survival in an accident.
In addition, helmets can also prevent road debris from getting into your eyes.
To ensure the greatest protection, make sure your helmet weighs more than three pounds, has a thick liner, and strong chin straps. Over time, helmets can undergo wear and tear, so be sure to replace yours every five years.
Wear Proper Safety Gear
Protecting yourself with the proper safety equipment and gear is critical. Leather jackets that are ventilated, reflective gear, pants, gloves, visors, and appropriate footwear are important safety items that should be worn every time you get on the motorcycle. As with the helmet, be sure to replace these items every few years or as needed.
Don’t Ride Under the Influence
Riding while drunk or under the influence of drugs means lower response time, less balance and coordination, and errors in judgment.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that impaired motorcycle riders are killed in crashes more often than impaired vehicle drivers.
Don’t Use a Cell Phone
Riding a motorcycle requires your full attention. When you’re distracted, you risk an accident. Even the smallest lapse in judgment can make a difference. Hands-free devices may seem safer, but even that’s dangerous if it takes your mind off the road. If you absolutely must use the phone, pull over at a safe location.
Obey the Law
Educate yourself or speak to an attorney to be sure you’re doing everything you can to comply with state laws regarding motorcycle operation. Pay attention to all traffic signs and signals, yield as noted, and wear a helmet if required.
Be aware that the state of Texas has made lane splitting illegal. Lane splitting means taking advantage of the smaller size and maneuverability of your motorcycle by riding between lanes to move faster than traffic.
If you get into an accident while disobeying motorcycle laws, you can make receiving compensation for injuries much more difficult.
Take a Motorcycle Safety Course
One of the most effective ways to ensure your safety when riding a motorcycle is to take a motorcycle safety course prior to getting on the road.
Operating a motorcycle is much different than driving a car or riding a bicycle. Getting professional training can help you develop skills that will keep you safe.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) offers courses around the country.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Texas Today
When you have questions about motorcycle safety or if you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident, you may need a motorcycle accident lawyer.
At Stephens Law, we take pride in helping our clients seek compensation after injuries and sharing tips to help them protect themselves against similar injuries in the future.
Call our law offices today to schedule a free consultation. Let us show you how we can help.