Common Motorcycle Safety Misconceptions
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to speak with our Des Moines, IA motorcycle accident lawyer. You may be entitled to compensation. With that being said, here are some common motorcycle safety misconceptions that you shouldn’t believe.
- If You Have a Driver’s License, You Can Operate a Motorcycle
Operating a motorcycle is quite different than operating a vehicle. It’s actually more difficult to drive a motorcycle than it is to drive a car. That’s why you’re required to add a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license before operating a motorcycle.
- Lane Splitting Isn’t Dangerous
Lane splitting involves passing one or more vehicles in between two lanes and is considered dangerous. When motorcyclists practice lane splitting, they don’t leave much distance between themselves and other vehicles, increasing the risk of a collision. Motorcyclists who split lanes and cause an accident may not be eligible to receive compensation.
- Wearing a Helmet Is Pointless
Some motorcyclists may avoid wearing a helmet because it feels uncomfortable or they don’t like the way it looks. However, a helmet is anything but pointless. While wearing a helmet might not be able to prevent an accident, it can help you avoid fatal injuries in the event of a collision. Motorcyclists who wear helmets are much less likely to sustain life-threatening head injuries in a crash.
- Wearing Leather is for Appearances
As a Des Moines motorcycle accident lawyer can confirm, some people assume wearing leather just makes motorcyclists look cool. While that may be true, leather can also prevent some serious injuries in an accident. The material can help motorcyclists avoid abrasions if they slide across the pavement in an accident.
- Drivers Always See Motorcyclists
This actually isn’t true. Motorcycles are much smaller than vehicles, so they can be easier to miss. Plus, drivers can get distracted and not notice motorcyclists on the road. Therefore, it’s critical for motorcyclists to always be aware of their surroundings and never assume that other drivers can see them.
- Skilled Motorcyclists Can Always Avoid Accidents
Experienced motorcyclists do have a lower chance of getting into an accident than inexperienced riders. However, that does not mean that their risk of a collision is zero. If other drivers are negligent on the road, skilled motorcyclists can get hurt.
The speed limit is lower on streets than on highways, so some may assume that roads are safer for motorcyclists. However, this is not necessarily true. For one thing, streets have a higher risk of intersection accidents. They also have more roadside obstacles than highways. Therefore, highways are generally safer for motorcyclists.
- Wearing a Helmet Can Hinder Your Hearing and Vision
Some motorcyclists claim that helmets impede their hearing and vision and choose not to wear one. However, as a Des Moines motorcycle accident lawyer can confirm, putting on a helmet can actually decrease wind noise and help you see better.
Contact Our Des Moines Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Today
As a motorcycle accident lawyer in Des Moines IA provides might attest, the idea of a motorcycle accident can create a sense of fear and anxiety for any motorcycle enthusiast. This is because when a motorcyclist goes out on the road, they have a far greater chance of being involved in an accident than other vehicles on the road. If you have been in a motorcycle accident, it may be important to work with our team at Des Moines Injury Law has to offer to determine if you can sue the driver who caused the accident.
