Anti-lock brakes: Do they make motorcycles safer?

April 25th, 2012

Anti-lock brakes remain one of the most discussed features for motorcycles. The motorcycle lawyers at Elk & Elk want to share why some believe they should be standard on motorcycles.

While anti-lock brakes are a common feature on automobiles, they remain available only on certain motorcycles. Citing research showing that fatal motorcycle accidents could be reduced by more than one-third, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety strongly advocates more motorcycle manufacturers making ABS standard.

Braking isn’t as simple on a motorcycle as it is on a car. Most bikes have independent brake controls for the front and rear wheels, and either wheel can lock up when a rider brakes hard. Behind the wheel of a car, a lockup might lead to a skid. But on a motorcycle, a lockup can cause a skid which leads to a loss of balance and a potentially fatal fall. Read the rest of this entry »

Share

Posted in Blog | No Comments »

First month most dangerous for new motorcycle riders

April 18th, 2012

New motorcycle riders are more likely to have an accident, according to a new study. The motorcycle lawyers of Elk & Elk encourage new riders to do all they can to be safe.

With motorcycle riding season getting under way in Ohio, a new batch of first-time riders will be getting their licenses and hitting the roads. Unfortunately, for them and everyone else on the road, the first year of motorcycle riding is the most dangerous, safety studies have found.

A study by the Highway Loss Data Institute found that new riders are four times more likely to have an accident in their first 30 days of riding than in their entire second year. The study found that 22 percent of nearly 57,000 accident claims from 2003 to 2007 took place in the first month after a new insurance policy took effect. The claim rate dropped one-third in the second month and nearly two-thirds after six months. Read the rest of this entry »

Share

Posted in Blog | No Comments »

Many states green-light red-light laws for motorcycles

April 11th, 2012

Several states have passed laws allowing motorcyclists to go through red lights after a “reasonable period of time.” The motorcycle attorneys of MotorEagles® want you to be safe if you are taking advantage of these laws.

Did you know that sometimes red means go for motorcyclists?

If you are an avid motorcyclist, you’ve probably been there. Waiting at a remote intersection for what seems like forever, wondering if that red light will ever change. In some states, your wait is over, or at least shorter. Earlier this year, Illinois joined 11 other states in allowing motorcyclists to go through red lights when sensors aren’t able to detect they are there.

At many remote intersections, stop lights are programmed to remain red in one direction unless an underground sensor is activated indicating a vehicle is waiting for a green light. Whenever a vehicle crosses over one of the magnetic sensors, it interrupts the magnetic field and sends a signal to the controller that lets it know a vehicle is on the pavement. The problem arises because motorcycles do not have enough metal in them to interrupt the field, which means that the red lights are not changing to green when a bike comes to the intersection. Read the rest of this entry »

Share

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in Blog | No Comments »

It’s motorcycle season – Get reacquainted with your bike

April 4th, 2012

Spring is here, and for much of the country that means the start of motorcycle riding season. The motorcycle riding attorneys at Elk & Elk encourage you to get reacquainted with your bike as you get back on the road.

With motorcycle riding season getting under way in much of the country, you’re probably itching to get your bike out of storage and get back on the road. Like most motorcycle owners, you’ll probably take the time to check your tires and change the oil and perform other maintenance necessary to keep your bike road-worthy. But that is not all you should do before you take your bike out for that first spin.

The motorcycle riding attorneys at Elk & Elk know how important it is to get your legs back under you before you push yourself and your bike to its limits. After a long winter away from your bike, it takes a little time to get back that feeling of comfort and stability.

We like to take our bike out to an open parking lot and put ourselves and our bikes through some simple tests. Make some quick stops. Take a few tight turns. Feel how the bike handles.

Taking a few minutes to get reacquainted with your bike can help ensure that you have a safe, enjoyable riding season. But if something should happen and you find yourself in need of assistance, contact Elk & Elk’s motorcycle lawyers. We will work with you to help you get the compensation you deserve. Let the attorneys who ride fight for your rights.

Share

Tags: , ,
Posted in Blog | No Comments »

Well-maintained tires key for motorcycle safety

April 2nd, 2012

Tires are the foundation of bike safety. Our motorcycle crash lawyers have tips for you to keep your tires in tip-top shape.

For much of the country, peak motorcycle riding season is just around the corner. Most of you are eager to hop on your bikes and take to the roads. That means hours and days of enjoyment spent with the sun on your face. But before you hit the road, it’s important to make sure your bike is up to the challenges and adventures you plan to put it through.

Perhaps the most important part of your bike that needs to be checked regularly and kept in top working order is your tires. Your tires are the only connection you and your bike have with the road, so regular checks for wear and tear and proper inflation are essential for your safety.

Before you get your bike out of storage and start your motorcycle riding season, here are a few tips for you to consider about your tires. Read the rest of this entry »

Share

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Blog | No Comments »

« Older Entries | Newer Entries »