There are many elements that contribute to a motorcycle crash or accident and its severity. There are preventive measures that every motorcyclist can use to protect their safety in case of an accident. Many veteran riders will tell you that if you ride, it is not a matter of if you will be in a wreck, it is only a matter of when and how severe it will be. Riders themselves can improve their chances of surviving an accident by using precautions. Other drivers that share the road can also do their part to reduce the risk to motorcycles and reduce the amount of motorcycle accidents and fatalities.

Protective Gear

A basic precaution that motorcyclists can take to prevent severe injury if an accident occurs is to wear the right gear. Without anything between the rider and whatever they impact with during accident, protective gear can be the difference between a few minor injuries and serious or fatal wounds. Good riding boots, protective outerwear and helmets all serve to cushion the impact in an accident.

• Outerwear. There is a reason that leather and motorcycles have always gone hand in hand. Leather is a naturally protective material that can prevent the loss of skin and decrease lacerations. Another popular choice is Kevlar, which also will protect the skin. Riders should always have all areas of their body covered, wearing a long-sleeve jacket, protective pants and gloves.
• Helmets. The most important part of the body is of course the head and brain, both which are easily injured when they strike metal, asphalt or concrete. Helmets are the only protection a rider can have against severe brain injury and death from head trauma during an accident. Although many motorcyclists still ride with their skulls unprotected, these fairly inexpensive pieces of riding gear can save their life.

All Drivers Can Help Prevent Motorcycle Accidents

Reducing motorcycle accidents and fatalities is not only the responsibility of motorcyclists. All drivers on the road have an obligation to prevent accidents and deaths by driving safely. Awareness is key in preventing motorcycle accidents.

Many motorcycle wrecks happen when other drivers do not perceive the motorcycle. Although they are smaller than other vehicles on the road, they are common and need to be treated like any other vehicle. Left hand turns are often the precursor to motorcycle collisions as drivers turn into or in front of a motorcycle they did not look for coming from the opposite direction.

Other ways drivers can make the road safer for motorcycles is to make sure they give them plenty of room and the same courtesy as another four-wheel vehicle. Motorcycles need their own lane and should not be followed too closely, just like a car, truck or any other vehicle on the road.

By working together, motorists and motorcyclists can help reduce the amount of accidents and fatalities that happen every year. Motorists can prevent accidents from occurring by increasing awareness and motorcyclists can protect themselves as much as possible from severe harm when an accident does happen by using protective gear, especially helmets. With a few small changes in behavior and attire, all drivers can improve motorcycle safety.

Jonathan Rosenfeld is a accident lawyer in Chicago, IL and sponsor of Chicago Motorcycle Accident Lawyers (www.chicagomotorcycleinjurylawyers.com).