But that doesn’t mean that there aren’t inherent dangers when riding motorcycles in autumn. Check out a few autumn safety tips for motorcyclists below.

Beware of leaf piles on roads

Whether natural drifts or the consequences of a homeowner’s leaf-blowing, piles of autumn leaves present hazards to motorcyclists. Not only can they cause skids if they get wet, but they can also hide surface defects like deep potholes that can throw riders off their two-wheelers.

Frosty morning roads

While our area typically does not see the first frost until late October or early November, it can get pretty chilly in the morning in September. On early morning motorcycle rides, be aware of the dangers from black ice and frosted roads.

Stay weather-aware when riding

Fall temperatures can dip low at night, so riders should layer their clothing appropriately. Check weather reports before leaving so that you don’t get caught in a squall when riding.

Holding reckless drivers liable for your wreck

If you get hurt in a motorcycle accident, know that you might have recourse to file a claim for damages against the liable parties that caused or contributed to your motorcycle accident.

Sometimes it can be comforting to know that there is a path to civil justice after suffering injuries in a motorcycle accident.

Given the likelihood of catastrophic and fatal injuries, safety advocates and legislators are trying to emphasize the need for proper safety practices. To assist in their efforts, the month of May was deemed National Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. As part of that, accident statistics and how to avoid collisions were a primary focus.

The number of motorcyclists has increased

The most recent comprehensive statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration show that motorcyclists are dramatically overrepresented for road fatalities when compared to others on the road. For 2022, more than 6,200 riders lost their lives. Of all road deaths for that year, motorcyclists comprised 15% of fatalities. This was the worst total for riders in almost 50 years.

Safety entities repeatedly mention the importance of understanding proper safety practices to motorcyclists and drivers. Both should adhere to fundamental principles such as being visible, adhering to the speed limits and wearing safety equipment to mitigate accidents and their aftermath as much as possible.

Nearly two of every three fatal motorcycle crashes were in urban areas. Contrary to perceptions that weather was a major factor in accidents, nearly all – 94% – happened in weather that was categorized as “good.” Half happened during the day.

Maryland averages 73 rider fatalities per year. More than 1,000 are injured. These numbers were consistent with the 2022 statistics. Virginia had 108 rider fatalities in just over 2,000 crashes for that year.

Know the options after a motorcycle accident

With the number of vehicles and motorcyclists on the road and risky behaviors on the rise, it is no surprise that motorcycle collisions are happening more frequently. Drivers are using bigger and heavier vehicles, exceed the speed limit, are distracted and break various laws. This puts everyone – particularly motorcyclists – in jeopardy.

When there is a collision and riders are involved, they can suffer spinal cord injuries, brain trauma, broken bones, cuts and more. Often, they permanently damaged or killed. The financial and personal ramifications are extensive and it is imperative to know what can be done after a motorcycle accident to cover for all that was lost with medical care, lost wages and other challenges.

Driver mistakes have outsized consequences for motorcyclists

You’re not surrounded by a metal cage and you don’t have air bags. But the law requires those driving cars around you to exercise reasonable at all times. And yet, they often fail to do so, because they’ve been drinking alcohol, didn’t get enough sleep the night before or decide their phone call is more important, Regardless of the reason, they are not as focused on the road as they should be and they make mistakes.

When those mistakes come at the expense of a motorcyclist, the consequences can be severe. According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in an accident than those driving cars and trucks. What may be a minor fender-bender for them can result in severe injury for their two-wheeled victim.

Personal injury lawsuits exist for a very good reason. When you’re injured in a motorcycle accident, they are a powerful tool available to make you whole again and find some justice. Driving negligently is against the law but, when someone does it anyway, a lawsuit can be the means by which you hold them accountable. You may not be able to control how drivers act when they’re behind the wheel, but you can exercise some control over what happens in the future.