There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road on a motorcycle during the summer. The freedom of taking your bike out on the road is unmatched. However, motorcycles also have their dangers. That’s why California enforces strict laws regarding road safety for riders like you.
If you’re getting ready to take your bike out this summer, you should be aware of the risks, laws, and safety precautions involved. Keep reading to learn the most important California motorcycle rules and regulations and the best ways to make sure you stay safe when you’re on the road.
The Risks of Motorcycle Riding
If you ride a motorcycle regularly, you’re probably already aware of the risks involved in the practice. Motorcycles place nothing between the rider and other objects, including the road, trees, and other vehicles. That makes them significantly more dangerous than cars with things like doors, crumple zones, and airbags.
This lack of safety features is the root of the many dangers motorcyclists face. Some of the most common reasons for motorcycle accidents include:
- Slides due to loss of control: Wet conditions or gravel roads have poor traction. Motorcyclists can quickly lose control of the bike in these conditions and have it slide out from under them.
- Accidents caused by rider error: Motorcycle drivers are people, and people make mistakes. A motorcyclist who drives while impaired, intoxicated, or sleepy is more likely to make a mistake that leads to an accident.
- Crashes caused by inattentive drivers: Other drivers are by far the biggest risk to most motorcyclists. The smaller footprint of a bike makes it all too easy for inattentive drivers to miss them on the road. That makes it more likely for them to merge into a motorcyclist or pull out in front of one at an intersection.
- Accidents forced by road raging drivers: Motorcyclists can also suffer from other drivers’ anger. Too many motorcycle accidents are caused by a driver with road rage purposefully cutting off a motorcyclist or forcing them off the road.
What Are California’s Motorcycle Laws?
California legislators have implemented many laws to protect motorcyclists and avoid some of these risks. The most important motorbike laws in the state cover topics such as:
- Licensure: To drive a motorcycle in California, you need to be 21 with a standard driver’s license or 16 with a specific motorcycle permit. People under 21 need to pass a motorcycle safety course before they can legally drive a motorbike.
- Helmets: California requires all motorcycle riders to wear a helmet at all times. This is equally true for the driver and any passengers on the bike. Failing to wear a helmet isn’t just dangerous; it’s also a ticketable offense.
- Safety: Every operational motorcycle in the state needs a functional rearview mirror, headlight, and turn signals. The handlebars cannot be more than 6” inches higher than the driver’s shoulders. Finally, a motorbike can only be driven on the freeway if it has a 150cc motor or greater.
- Headlights: Motorcycles must use headlights at all times of day. Headlights help increase the visibility of riders even during the day, so riders must always turn on the light before they begin driving.
- Impairment: Motorcyclists are held to the same standards as other vehicle drivers. No motorcycle rider should ever operate their bike while intoxicated or impaired.
Staying Safe on the Road
Following road laws is just the beginning of staying safe as a motorcyclist. If you’re looking for additional ways to protect yourself this summer, you can also take the following actions to make sure you’re as safe as possible on your bike.
- Wear extra safety gear: Helmets are the only safety gear required by law in California. However, there’s much more you can wear to protect yourself. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends covering as much of your skin as possible with leather or heavy denim whenever you ride. This includes wearing jackets, gloves, and sturdy boots that cover your ankles. Wearing this kind of protective gear can help you avoid suffering dangerous road rash if you do get in an accident.
- Wear reflective clothing: Your motorbike should always have its headlight on, but you can add reflective materials to your clothes to increase your visibility. For example, you might add reflective strips to your helmet or wear a high-visibility vest over your jacket. This helps other drivers spot you before doing anything that could hurt you on the road.
- Avoid riding after dark: Motorbikes are hard enough to spot during the day. Your visibility gets even worse after the sun sets. If you can, avoid riding after dark. Even with reflective materials and your headlight, you’re still more likely to get hit at night by a driver that didn’t see you.
- Expect the worst of other drivers: You are your own best friend on the road. Never assume that any other driver will do the smart or correct thing when you’re riding your bike. Always be ready for other drivers to do something like pull out in front of you at an intersection or try to merge into your lane while you’re in the way. You can’t control other drivers, so you need to be ready to respond to their bad behavior. If you’re always prepared for other vehicles to make bad decisions, you’ll be more prepared to respond when someone inevitably does.
Make This Summer’s Motorcycle Rides Safe and Memorable
There’s nothing like the freedom of the open road. Make sure you’re able to enjoy it for decades to come by following California’s motorcycle safety laws and recommendations. Even the best riders can still fall victim to other drivers’ unsafe behaviors. By taking appropriate precautions, you can make it more likely that you will walk away from any accidents you may face.
If you’ve already suffered from a motorcycle accident this year, you’re not alone. The expert motorcycle accident lawyers at the Law Offices of Todd M. Friedman, P.C., are there for you. Get in touch to hold the bad driver responsible for your accident accountable for their actions.
