Bay Area Attorney Michael Padway Educates Motorcycle Riders on Safety Concerns

Motorcycles make up 3% of all registered vehicles and only .7% of all vehicle miles traveled in the U.S., yet almost 5,000 motorcycle riders and passengers die in accidents each year, and nonfatal injuries average approximately 90,000. Additionally, the vast majority of those who die are male.

“Many driver rarely think about motorcycle riders, which is a problem,” said Padway, founder of Michael Padway & Associates. “When motorcycles and other vehicles collide, it is typically the non-motorcycle driver who violates the motorcyclist’s right of way.”

In fact, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), “There is a continuing need to help other motorists ‘think’ motorcycles and to educate motorcyclists to be aware of this problem.” The issue is that motorcycles are relatively small and drivers don’t always see them, or anticipate their movements. “The automobile driver’s view of the motorcyclist is often obstructed, or the  driver is distracted,” noted Padway. “Driver education programs should emphasize these issues.”

Padway suggests new riders take a motorcycle safety course, and experienced riders take a refresher course after being off their bikes for a while. “Motorcycle riders should also always wear a helmet, as it is your most important equipment,” concluded Padway. “Helmets are estimated to be 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries for operators and 41% for passengers. A full-coverage helmet offers the most protection, so look for the DOT sticker, which guarantees the helmet meets safety standards required by law.”

About Michael Padway, Michael Padway & Associates

Michael Padway uses his expertise in personal injury and motorcycle accidents to represent a broad spectrum of clients dealing with life-changing and permanent injuries for the first time. For more information, please call (800) 928-1511, or visit www.michaelpadway.com.  

For media inquiries, please call the NALA at  805.650.6121, ext. 361.