The Personal Blog Of
Boston Motorcycle Lawyer

Top 5 Biker Hazards to Avoid in 2010
December 30, 2009

The New Year brings the possibility of great new motorcycle events, friends, adventures, and stories. It also brings the potential of accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Although it is impossible to avoid all dangerous situations, bikers have a lot more control than they think.

Common sense prevails when it comes to safety for bikers. But for some reason, bikers (myself included) are still not doing all the things we need to do to ride safely.

As 2010 approaches, here are a few things that all bikers need to lay to rest in 2009.

• Riding under the influence: Riding a motorcycle under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication is just about the dumbest thing a biker can do. Anything that alters a biker’s ability to read and react to dynamic road situations can spell disaster.

• Riding with strangers: Riding with a bunch of new riders sounds like fun but it is also very dangerous. Without knowing the riders, their riding habits, their sobriety, and their skill level, you can be putting yourself in a very dangerous situation. If you decide to ride with strangers in a group, make sure to ride staggered so that everyone has lots of space to maneuver.

• Speed Freaks/Stunt Riders: Speed freaks and stunt riders give all bikers a bad name among law enforcement, motorists, and other bikers. Excessive speed is great but only on a race track. Stunts are great but only in a controlled and safe environment. Do not get tempted into racing or stunting while riding on public roads. You will eventually either get seriously injured (or worse), arrested, or have to pay a big fine.

• Riding Dirty: The days of riding without a valid motorcycle endorsement are over. Everyone who rides a motorcycle needs to take the steps to acquire a valid license. Both new riders and experienced ones who do not have a motorcycle endorsement need to take a motorcycle rider safety course even if they are not required by law. They are very helpful and everyone can benefit from them.

• Lack of Gear: All riders need to wear DOT helmets, gloves, eye wear, and all other protective gear. Without it, even a minor accident can cause major injuries.

As we enter a New Year, let’s leave all the bad habits back in 2009. We were lucky those bad habits didn’t hurt us but if we keep doing them, 2010 could be a painful year.