Challenges and Solutions: Motorcycle Safety Campaigns in Baton Rouge.

What is Baton Rouge’s Motorcycle Awareness Campaign?

Louisiana’s Motorcycle Awareness Campaign is a 501(c)3 that promotes motorcycle awareness and safety to many motorcycle riders. Recent statistics show a consistent rise in motorcycle fatalities in Louisiana. Therefore, by having programs like Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and following MAC’s guidelines, the state hopes to reduce motorcycle accidents and deaths and make the roads safer for all riders.

When you ride your motorcycle, you experience the freedom and enjoyment of cruising Baton Rouge’s roads and highways. However, you also know the challenges of keeping your bike under control and keeping you and your friends and family from getting severely injured.

MAC is aware of motorcyclists’ dangers; even the most cautious riders can often have severe crashes that aren’t their fault.

This is why safety organizations, such as MAC, try to get the message out to those on the roads: safe motorcycle riding practices and making all other drivers aware of the cyclists around them will reduce the number of severe accidents and fatalities throughout the state.

What Are Some Recent Statistics About Motorcycle Accidents in Baton Rouge?

If you want to help prevent motorcycle accidents, one thing you must do is to be aware of the current facts and statistics.

By being aware of some common reasons for motorcycle accidents, you can best do your part to keep yourself and your fellow riders safe.

Just some of the current information you should be aware of is:

• By far, the most common cause of motorcycle accidents is the failure of other vehicles to look for motorcycle riders in traffic!
• Practically 20% of all motorcycle crashes are caused by other motorists violating the motorbike’s right-of-way.
• As a motorcycle rider, you are 35 times more likely to have a fatal crash than car or truck drivers.

In Baton Rouge and all of Louisiana, the rising rate of motorcycle accident deaths is alarming. Recently, that number reached over 5900 deaths in a single year. The vast majority, almost 70%, of these deaths were on the state’s urban roads.

Additionally, almost 83% of accidents occurred in clear and good weather. This fact challenges the belief that inclement weather is one of the main risk factors in motorcycle accidents.

Also, many of these deaths (over half) occurred at night, again stressing the point that other drivers must be on the lookout for motorcyclists.  

Considering that most severe motorcycle accidents are caused by other motorists not being aware of their presence, this suggests that most crashes aren’t the motorcyclists’ fault.

Therefore, if you are injured in a motorcycle crash, you should always seek the advice and guidance of a skilled Baton Rouge motorcycle accident lawyer. Your recovery could cost tens of thousands of dollars, and your experienced lawyer will ensure you have the compensation you need to move forward with your life.

What Are Some of the Best Ways to Protect Myself While Riding?

Always remember that safety and comfort are always factors, but obtaining the best equipment specifically designed to protect the rider is mandatory. It’s usually a bit roomier, so you can have a few layers of protection before your body meets the road.

Also, although fashion may be a factor, you must always consider safety first! Practical, protective, and durable clothing is designed to minimize injury in any motorcycle crash.

Just some of the items you should wear when you ride are:

• A well-designed helmet and appropriate eye protection.
• A durable jacket and gloves.
• Thick and protective pants that can take road abuse.
• Solid and sturdy boots are a must.

Additionally, there is extra equipment available that may positively enhance your chances of avoiding a crash, such as:

• Strips of reflective tape on your helmet and clothing.
• Specifically designed “safety clothing” that has reflectors, etc.
• A high-performance and loud horn and strong headlight.

Like experienced boaters, always check the weather before you ride and avoid bad weather conditions. If you’re caught in bad weather, take a “pit stop” until it’s safe to move on.

Most importantly, try to wear bright colors, signal correctly, and do everything possible to ensure other drivers see you and your bike. Additionally, if you are in an accident, you must get medical attention immediately, and if you suspect that another’s negligence caused your accident, contact a Baton Rouge motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible.

According To Motorcycle Safety Campaigns, What are the Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents?

Motorcycle crashes most commonly occur when: 

• Another vehicle is making a left-hand turn in front of you. 
• You ride over an unsafe or wet and slippery patch of road. 
• Another vehicle changes lanes and runs into you. 
• Someone opens their car door and hits your oncoming motorcycle. 
• You were moving too fast for the prevailing conditions.  
• Another driver stops quickly in front of you or rear-ends you.
• Either you or the other driver is under the influence of drugs. 

Motorcycle safety campaigns aim to keep motorcycle drivers safe on Baton Rouge roads. However, nothing can sometimes be done, and avoiding an accident is impossible.

As a motorcycle rider, you are at significant risk of severe and life-changing injury. If you fall and hit the road at great speed, the impact is like taking a sledgehammer to your head and sandpaper to your exposed skin. If another driver is at fault, at the least, you can sue for compensation that you must have to pay current medical bills, recovery costs, lost wages, and more. So, when you’re in a motorcycle accident, always get the advice, empathetic, and experienced guidance of a Baton Rouge motorcycle accident lawyer.

I’ve Been In a Motorcycle Crash in Baton Rouge; What Should I Do?

First and always, get the medical attention that you need. Then, as soon as possible, contact a Louisiana motorcycle accident lawyer.

No matter how much excellent advice you follow from Louisiana’s motorcycle accident safety campaigns, you still could receive crippling injuries that take months to heal or are life-changing (such as a traumatic brain injury).

The motorcycle accident lawyers at Walter R. Krousel Jr. and Associates have over 30 years of experience and a professional history of helping Baton Rouge motorcycle accident victims obtain the compensation they need and rightfully deserve.

Call them today at 225-263-6194 for a free consultation on your case. They will ensure you are aware of all your legal options. Don’t hesitate, as your and your family’s financial future depends on it.