Although 75% of all motorcycle accidents involving multiple vehicles are caused by negligence or recklessness driving on the part of the automobiles or trucks involved, the majority of single-vehicle motorcycle accidents are caused in part or in full by rider error.

Presumably all responsible motorcyclists have received formal training and are licensed riders, but there are many steps all motorcyclists can take to assist them in staying safe while riding your motorcycle. These steps can make all the difference between no accident, or an accident resulting in minor to no injuries and devastatingly severe collisions resulting in serious injuries or even death.

There is no denying the thrill and excitement of cruising down the road on a beautiful day, enjoying the sunshine and the breeze on your motorcycle, and that is no excuse for careless and irresponsible driving. Motorcycle fatalities happen at the rate of 4,000 to 5,000 each year in the United States, and a motorcycle accident rates are four times higher than accidents involving other motor vehicles. No matter whom it is at fault in any motorcycle accident, the riders not the drivers pay the highest price. Head injuries leading to cognitive impairments or death, of spinal injuries that cause partial or full paralysis, broken bones, and torn ligaments, shredded and burned skin are all common results of serious motorcycle accidents and are only compounded when the riders themselves failed to take proper safety precautions.

For those concerned with motorcycle safety, the basics start with the bike itself. Before any trip short or small always make sure that your motorcycle is in proper working condition, that the brakes and steering mechanisms are functioning up to standard that the tires are unworn and properly inflated. To prevent serious injury in the event of an accident, motorcyclists should wear protective safety gear such as helmets, riding gloves, eye production and a riding jacket.

Presumably, all riders are experienced and licensed and should continue exercising the caution they have learned by riding at the appropriate speed, using their traffic signals or hand signals to alert other drivers of their actions and keeping the headlamp on may even in the daytime to increase their visibility to other vehicles on the road. Never drink alcohol before riding a motorcycle; over 90% of all motorcycle accidents involve some form of alcohol abuse.

Finally ride defensively and stay alert for hazardous road conditions, traffic jams and implement weather. These safety measures can help protect you legally in the event of a motorcycle accident.