The rush, the wind, the freedom: there’s nothing like the exhilaration and power of a motorcycle on the open highway. With rewards come responsibilities, though, and sometimes motorcyclists pay a high price. Unobservant drivers, unexpected road conditions, flash floods, strips of peeled-off rubber on the road — all of these can cause a potentially fatal accident. NHTSA data suggest that per vehicle mile traveled, motorcyclists are five times as likely to be injured as car passengers. Regardless of how safe you are, accidents can happen. In cases like that, it’s good to be prepared with some crucial items.
Item #1: A Road I.D. Bracelet
Medical I.D. bracelets or road I.D. bracelets aren’t just useful for people with life-threatening medical conditions. Road I.D. bracelets that include the driver’s name, contact information, medical issues, and drug allergies can play a vital role in getting victims of a motorcycle accident the immediate help they need. Particularly in the event of a traumatic brain injury, a motorcyclist traveling without a license and registration may not be able to explain crucial information about their health. A road I.D. or medical bracelet can provide that information to first responders and help ensure that family and loved ones are notified as quickly as possible.
Item #2: A Working Cell Phone
Most people carry around their cell phones, but if an accident occurs, it’s easy for a cell phone to sustain damage. No motorcyclist wants to be involved in an accident with no possibility of immediately contacting emergency services. Many big-box stores or roadside gas stations cell inexpensive prepaid cell phones. Keeping a cheap cell phone charged and stowed away in a backpack, a tank bag, or a saddlebag can mean the difference between life and death.
Item #3: A Cellphone Camera
In any accident, the first priority should be the safety of everyone involved, but it’s also important to document the events surrounding the accident, if possible. Getting pictures of the accident scene and documenting any injury to the motorcycle driver, passengers, bystanders, or any other person is crucial. It’s also vital to take pictures of the surrounding conditions including buildings, obstructions, road conditions, and street signage. These photos can prove invaluable later on if there are legal or insurance consequences.
Item #4: A Small First Aid Kit
Many convenience stores or big-box chains sell small, easily-packable first aid kits. These can be stored in a saddlebag and supplemented with items including hand sanitizer, over-the-counter medications, antibiotic cream, and a light space blanket in case of shock or exposure. Adding an info card to the kit with names, contact information, drug allergies, medical conditions, and other pertinent information can assist first responders to treat an injured driver. It’s also helpful to include the addresses of local hospitals or urgent care centers in the event of a minor injury, particularly if cell phone damage has made it impossible to search online for an address.
Accidents can happen even to the safest of drivers. Motorcyclists know that their favorite mode of transportation comes with some inherent risks. In the event of an accident, it’s important to contact a qualified auto accident lawyer Salt Lake City UT to help sort through the complex facts of a vehicular accident case.
Thank you to Rasmussen & Miner Attorneys at Law for providing their insight and expertise on motorcyclist safety.
