Summertime in Connecticut sees a large increase in the number of motorcycles on the road, which makes sense. The sun is out, the roads are dry and clear. Summer presents ideal conditions for using a motorcycle to commute to work or just taking it out for a pleasure cruise. Most motorcycle drivers in the state are well-trained and aware of the law. They know how to share the roads safely with larger vehicles.
Sadly, those larger vehicles don’t always have drivers who understand that they must also share the road with motorcycles and bicycles. That can lead to serious accidents and crashes. Connecticut has one of the worst rates of vehicular accidents in the country, and that should concern motorcycle drivers.
People in enclosed vehicles, like cars, trucks, SUVs, vans or station wagons can make small mistakes that prove quite serious for people on motorcycles. Getting distracted by a phone, a snack or even another person in the vehicle can result in turning or merging without properly checking the road. Sometimes, a distraction can lead to a driver inadvertently crossing over into another lane of traffic. In either of these situations, a motorcycle rider could easily end up with severe, even life-threatening injuries. No matter how careful a motorcycle rider is, other drivers can present major danger.
Safety best practices can protect you in an accident
In Connecticut, riders under the age of eighteen and those with instructional permits get required to wear helmets. Those who have a full license endorsement or who are older than 18 are only required to wear eye protection, such as goggles, if the motorcycle does not have a windshield. Helmets are effectively optional under Connecticut law. However, it is in the best interests of the rider to wear one, as a helmet can be a last line of defense between your brain and the pavement or another vehicle. Whether you are stuck by a vehicle or thrown from the motorcycle, your head could get hurt.
Hidden expenses mount
Wearing protective clothing and reflective items can help reduce the risk of a crash and the severity of your injuries, but the potential for grave bodily harm still exists. You could incur serious medical expenses from an accident. Surgeries, bone setting or emergency transportation and trauma care can quickly add up to thousands of dollars. Add in the expense of repairing or replacing your motorcycle and lost wages while you recuperate, and it’s easy to see how an accident on a motorcycle can completely change your life.
The state of Connecticut does require that motorcycle drivers, like those in enclosed vehicles, carry liability insurance policies. Many times, however, the expenses associated with a collision caused by a larger vehicle can exceed insurance coverage. You should carefully consider your options for compensation after a motorcycle crash to ensure it doesn’t cause you irreparable financial harm.
