Motorcyclists are a common sight on the roads of California. This mode of transportation can also provide casual enjoyment and create timeless memories.
For motorcyclists who ride with passengers, learning to operate their bike with extra weight requires time and practice. Passengers can also contribute to lowering injury risks when they understand and implement some best practices for motorcycle riding.
Invest in safety gear
Anytime anyone gets on a motorcycle, they should have adequate safety gear. According to the California Office of Traffic Safety, a helmet may have saved the lives of 28 motorcycle crash victims in the year 2019. Passengers are no exception and should have safety gear including the following:
- Abrasion-resistant clothing
- Gloves
- Full-coverage footwear
- Helmet with face protection
Develop a communication method
Communication between passenger and driver can be tricky on a motorcycle. Experts at Bike Bandit recommend that motorcyclists develop a method for communicating with their passengers. This often includes hand signals and an effective way of signaling an emergency. Both parties should also agree on what equates to an emergency so miscommunication does not cause distraction or prevent either party from enjoying the ride.
Motorcycle passengers should know how to position themselves on the bike, as well as how to effectively hold onto the driver. With practice and careful planning, passengers can prevent mistakes that could cause driver distraction. The best passengers understand their riding responsibilities. They also understand their role in preparing for a ride.
If people have received injuries in a motorcycle accident, they may sustain lifelong challenges that require long-term care. If their accident happened because of another party’s negligence, an attorney can help to prepare a legal case to address compensatory damages.