As spring arrives and the weather is warming up, more and more people are spending time outdoors. After a particularly cold winter this past year, it’s refreshing to finally enjoy the outdoors and do some fun things we missed out on over the past few months. This is an excellent time to remind all drivers to be alert and practice good driving habits anytime they are on the road. With the warmer weather, more motorcycles will be on the road. If you are riding a motorcycle, always wear a helmet. Helmets are about 37% effective in preventing motorcycle rider deaths and about 67% effective in preventing brain injuries. This is not something to overlook because 59% of motorcyclists killed in 2013 were not wearing helmets in the states without universal helmet laws, compared to 8% in states with universal helmet laws. Motorcyclists should also wear other protective gear, such as gloves and motorcycle pants.
Always be visible and position yourself in the lane where drivers can see you. Keep your lights on, wear bright colors, and use reflective tape, which can help drivers see you and potentially avoid a collision. Follow all traffic laws. Use turn signals for every turn and every lane change. Signal your intentions before changing lanes or merging with traffic. Even when signaling, allow enough time to determine the other motorist’s intention before you proceed. Always check your mirrors and blind spots, especially at intersections and before changing lanes or turning. Always be alert when driving or riding and anticipate other motorists’ possible movements. Never ride or drive while impaired by drugs, alcohol, or fatigue. Be courteous and share the road. Be aware that “lane splitting” is illegal in all states except California.
If you are in a car or other vehicle, remember that motorcyclists do not have the physical protections that car drivers have if an accident occurs. Always do your part to safely share the road by keeping an eye out for motorcycles and increase your following distance behind a motorcycle so that you have enough time to maneuver or stop in an emergency.
Some other good traffic safety tips include being on high alert when entering a school zone, even on weekends and evenings – whether you see children or not – and always obey speed limits, traffic signs, and crossing guards in school zones. Avoid multitasking and distracted driving. Never text and drive. Always wear a seatbelt and ensure all your passengers wear their seat belts. Be alert for children getting on and off school buses and crossing the street outside marked crosswalks. Maintain a safe distance behind buses and expect frequent stops.
If your children are under 12, make sure they ride in the back seat with their seatbelts fastened. Children in the front seat are 40% more likely to be injured in a car crash. Also, make sure that infant car seats and child car seats are properly installed. Car seats reduce the risk of death by 28% in the event of a crash, but three out of four car seats are installed incorrectly.
If riding a bike, practice good bike safety, such as riding in a straight line and signaling to vehicles when turning. Choose the safest route to your destination, and use routes with less traffic and slower speeds. Use bike paths if they are available. As a cyclist, make sure to understand traffic safety rules and laws, such as riding in the same direction as traffic and stopping at all stop signs and red signals. Wear a bike helmet, as they are critical to minimizing injury in case of a crash. Insurance Institute of Highway Safety data indicates that wearing a bike helmet can reduce the odds of a head injury by 50%. Ride focused and alert, and be aware of your surroundings and traffic conditions. Never use earbuds or electronics when riding.
If you are a pedestrian, always walk on the sidewalk. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic. Avoid the dangers of jaywalking. Always cross in clear view of traffic and never from between parked cars. Be aware of your surroundings. Just as you should never text and drive, never text and walk.
Accidents can still happen even with the best safety habits and practices in place. If you or someone you know has been injured in an accident, email me at sdistefano@stark-stark.com or call or text me at 856-552-4451. I am certified by the Supreme Court of New Jersey as a civil trial attorney, and my practice is focused on representing people who are injured in accidents.
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