Electric Mobility Scooters

In these times of high gas prices, many are opting to use motorcycles as their primary mode of transportation. Unfortunately motorcycles offer very little protection to the rider. Therefore, motorcycle accidents, especially at high rates of speed, can easily cause spinal cord injury, leading to paralysis, nursing care and a lifetime of wheelchair use and other assistive devices. In addition to this, motorcycle fatalities have been steadily increasing.

Almost half of the fatal motorcycle accidents show alcohol involvement. One out of four motorcycle operators involved in fatal crashes had an invalid license. Helmets saved approximately 1,158 lives in 2003; another 640 lives could have been saved if helmets were worn. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation motorcycle accident statistics, a motorcyclist is 16 times more likely to die in an accident than a motor vehicle occupant. Motorcyclists are also three times more likely to be injured than people in cars.

Wearing a helmet properly is mandatory under many state laws. These laws are subject to change, so it is a good idea to check with each state in which you intend to ride. State laws will apply to travelers as well as state residents. Don’t leave home without the information you need. Better yet, don’t leave home without wearing your helmet.

Some causes of Motorcycle Accidents 

• Lack of basic driving skills
• Failure to appreciate the inherent  operating characteristics
• Failure to appreciate the limitations of the motorcycle
• Failure to use special precautions while riding
• Failure to use defensive driving techniques
• Lack of specific braking and cornering skills
• Failure to follow speed limit
• Ways to Protect Yourself
• Never ride without a certified motorcycle helmet and eye protection
• Read your owner’s manual thoroughly
• Attend motorcycle rider educational classes
• Wear the proper shoes, gloves, and clothing
• Purchase a bike you can handle safely
• Consider the primary use of your bike
• Don’t buy a “trail” bike for highway use
• Similarly, don’t buy a “highway” bike if most of your riding will be off road
• Follow the “rules of the road” and drive defensively.