New York is a great state for motorcycling. The scenic routes provide beauty and adventure for riders of all ages. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents are also an aspect of motorcycling and they are increasing every year. Here are some motorcycle safety tips to make your next motorcycle trip a safe one.

1. kaplanlawyers.com
New York
Motorcycle Safety
Bikers in our state
face a number of
dangers every
time we take to
the road…

2. New York – A Great State for Riders
There’s nothing quite like riding a motorcycle on an open road, especially
on a beautiful, fall day in New York State. Great gas mileage, easier
parking and smaller storage requirements all make motorcycles very
appealing to riders everywhere. But there are still plenty of risks for bikers.
Awareness of motorcycle dangers just might make the all the difference in
your next ride.

3. The Dangers of Motorcycling
(from the NHTSA)
 When involved in a crash, motorcyclists are 26 times more likely to be killed than people in
passenger cars.
 In 2012, there was a 7 percent increase in motorcycle deaths and a 15 percent increase in
motorcycle injuries from the previous year.
 From 2003 to 2012, there was a 33 percent increase in motorcycle fatalities.
 The fatality rate for motorcyclists was 6 times the rate than for those in passenger cars.
 93 percent of motorcyclists killed in a car accident were riders, and 7 percent were
passengers.
 80 percent of motorcycle crashes result in fatalities
 40 percent of motorcycle fatalities were among those 40 years of age or older.

4. The Biggest Threats to Motorcyclists
 In 2012, 52 percent of all motorcycle
fatalities involved collisions with another
moving vehicle.
 In two-vehicle collisions, 75 percent of
motorcycle crashes occurred when a
motorcycle collided with the vehicle in
from of them, compared to only 7 percent
from behind.
 22 percent of motorcycle fatalities
occurred when a motorcycle collided with
a fixed object.
 The NHTSA reported that in two-vehicle
crashes involving both motorcycles and
passenger vehicles, 98 percent of
fatalities were motorcycle riders.
 In 2005, of two-vehicle crashes involving
a passenger car and a motorcycle, 91
percent were on non-interstate roadways.
 70 percent of motorcycle crashes occur
at intersections

5. Stay Legal and Safe With Helmets
 The NHTSA estimates that in 2012,
helmets saved the lives of 1,699
motorcyclists, while 718 lives were
lost because they didn’t wear
helmets.
 It is also estimated that helmets are
37% effective in preventing fatalities
for motorcycle riders.
 New York law requires the use of
helmets for all motorcyclists.

6. Alcohol Use In Motorcycle Crashes
 In crashes that occurred in 2012, a higher
percentage of motorcycle operators tested
over .08 percent alcohol concentration
(BAC) than other motor vehicle drivers.
 43 percent of fatally injured motorcycle
riders who died in single-vehicle crashes
had over .08 percent BAC. That percentage
was a startling 63 percent on weekends.
29 percent of fatally injured motorcycle
riders were over .08 percent BAC.

7. Motorcycles and Bad Weather
 When driving in the rain, remember that
the most dangerous time is right after
precipitation begins.
 Be aware of the fact that “long-lasting”
tires are often less tacky and don’t have
good traction.
 If riding in cold weather, always dress
warmly to avoid frostbite and
hypothermia.
 Windshields actually help you stay warm
when riding in colder temperatures
Some tips from the DMV:

8. Safety Tips for Bikers
These guidelines from the NHTSA are great
for newcomers and seasoned veterans alike:
 Always wear a helmet and protective gear
 Attend a motorcycle safety class and
learn defensive driving
 Choose a motorcycle that fits your size
 Be cautious at intersections
 Avoid biking in bad weather
 Avoid a car’s blind spots
 Assume you are invisible to other
motorists

9. The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
Allstate gives us a great checklist for motorcycles. In
addition to yearly tune-ups, you’ll want to regularly
check:
 Oil levels
 Tires for wear and loss of tread
 Lights and signals
 Brake pads and brake fluid
 Battery cables and connectors
 Chain strength and lubrication
 Filters – including oil, air and fuel
 Fuel levels and fuel lines, look for leaks
 Steering for smoothness and appropriate tightness

10. New York State Biking Laws
1. In New York State, you must have a Class M or MJ Operator’s License or Learner’s Permit.
2. You and your passengers must wear a helmet
3. Riders must wear eyewear if not included on the helmet
4. Daytime headlight use is required
5. If carrying a passenger, a passenger seat and footrest are required
6. Motorcycle helmet speakers may only have one earphone
7. Only two motorcycles may ride side by side in a single lane
8. See additional equipment requirements listed on the NY Department of Health website:
https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/injury_prevention/children/toolkits/motorcycles/laws_an
d_licensing.htm

11. Need Legal Help?
If you’ve been injured due to the negligence of another driver or because of a roadway
defect, you should call the motorcycle accident attorneys at Kaplan Lawyers PC. Our
team has decades of experience helping riders to hold responsible parties accountable
for their actions. Our consultation is free and we charge no legal fees unless we win your
case.
http://www.kaplanlawyers.com
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