We see motorcylists every day on our roads, highways and streets here in New York City and the surrounding area. However, many motorcycle accidents happen each day as well and many can be prevented if the proper precautions were taken by drivers and riders.
In order to drive a motorcycle, all riders and their passengers are required to wear helmets meeting the safety standards set forth by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Motorcycle shops can help fit people with the proper size helmet that would provide the most safety.
Not just anyone can drive a motorcycle, as a special license is required for operation. Even if you have a regular drivers license, you must go to the DMV and get a Class M license, a learner’s permit or an MJ operator’s license-one of the three is required to drive a motorcycle in New York.
In order to obtain a permit, the first step towards a full-fledged motorcycle license, one must first pass a written test at the DMV. This way, motorcyclists know the rules of the road specific to motorcycles.
Permit holders honing their operational skills must be supervised by someone in possession of a valid motorcycle license, just like a student driver needs to practice under the supervision of a licensed driver . Supervising drivers must remain in sight, no more than a quarter mile away from the beginner at all times. The state recommends novice riders practice for at least 30 supervised hours to obtain the practice necessary to drive safely.
In addition to helmets, eye protection is also required for riders. A motorcylist is completely exposed to the elements of the roadways, unlinke a driver who is protected inside a car, so in order to avoid something flying in an eye and causing a motorcyclist to not be able to see and thus lose control, an eye shield of some sort is a requirement.
Riders must also use headlights, even during the day, so motorists can see them properly at all times. Footrests and passenger seats are required for passengers in order to protect them and keep them safe when not in the drivers seat. Any helmet speakers can only have a single earphone, so the other ear can be free to hear the elements of the roadway including sirens, honks from other cars, and more.
If you or a loved one have been involved in a motorcycle accident, call our office today. Our attorneys have over a combined century of experience dealing with motorcycle cases in and around New York City and have sustained over $250 million in settlements and verdicts to prove our success record. We have spent countless hours analyzing motorcycle accidents and cases to see if the drivers were utilizing all of the requried safety equipment and we do everything from check red light camera footage to speaking with expert witnesses to make sure the truth is told. Call our office today to figure our your next steps in your motorcycle accident. We are here to help you.
