Motorcycle Safety
Warm weather and clear skies beckon Nevadans to the roads. All types of motorists are sharing the roads, including motorcyclists. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents are among the most deadly of road accidents. Motorcycle riders are 27 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in traffic crashes. Everyone shares the road and everyone is responsible for motorcycle safety.
If you or a loved one are injured in a motorcycle accident anywhere in Nevada, seek medical help immediately. Once you have sought medical care, contact Anthem Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. Our team has experience working with crashes all over Clark County. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
For a free legal consultation, call (702) 857-6000
Nevada Motorcycle Crashes
The State of Nevada initiated the Nevada Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP) to reach zero fatalities. The below information is from the SHSP’s 2019 Motorcycle Fact Sheet. In Nevada, from 2013 to 2017:
- 305 people died in motorcycle-related crashes.
- 1,124 people were seriously injured in motorcycle-related crashes.
- 26 to 35 year old men comprised a majority of the victims of serious and fatal motorcycle crashes.
- Clark County is where a majority of the motorcycle crashes occurred, over 75 percent.
- Most serious injury and fatal motorcycle crashes occurred on Fridays and Saturdays.
- 62 percent of motorcycle crashes occurred during daylight hours.
Tragically, in 2020, motorcycle-related crashes continued to claim the lives of Nevadans. On June 12, 2020, two teenage brothers died following a crash in Summerlin. According to police, their off-road motorcycle crashed into an SUV. Only one of the boys was wearing a helmet.
Nevada Motorcycle Laws
If you are a motorcycle rider in Nevada, it is your responsibility to understand and comply with all applicable laws.
What Is a Motorcycle?
Under Nevada Revised Statute (NRS) 482.070 “motorcycle” means:
- Every motor vehicle designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, except any vehicle included within the term “electric bicycle,” “tractor” or “moped” as defined in NRS Chapter 482.
Motorcycle Conversion
Not all motorcycles are certified or equipped for use on public roads. In Nevada, riders can convert their off-road motorcycle for use on public roads and highways. The Nevada DMV provides additional information on off-road to on-road motorcycle conversions.
Do Riders Need a License and Registration?
Yes, in Nevada motorcycle riders need a license and registration. To ride on public streets, a valid Class M motorcycle driver’s license is required. To add Class M to your Nevada license you may either:
- Take the DMV motorcycle written and skills tests.
- Complete a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) certified course.
Motorcycles are subject to the same registration requirements as other vehicles.
Do Riders Have to Wear Protective Gear?
In Nevada, riders must wear a Department of Transportation (DOT)-compliant helmet with protective glasses, goggles, or a face shield.
Can Riders Split Lanes?
No, in Nevada it is illegal to split lanes. Motorcycle riders may not ride between moving or stationary vehicles that occupy adjacent traffic lanes. Motorcycle riders may share a lane if both parties consent. This means that motorcycle riders may ride side-by-side with other motorcycles.
If a motorcycle accident injures you or a loved one, consult with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer. Anthem Injury Lawyers are an experienced team of personal injury lawyers. We are located in Henderson and handle personal injury cases all over the Las Vegas area. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
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Motorcycle Safety for Riders
Motorcycle safety is everybody’s responsibility. Safe riding can reduce the number of accidents, injuries, and fatalities on the roads. Below are tips from the Nevada DMV Motorcycle Handbook to help motorcyclists safely share the road.
Ride Sober
Impaired riding is the top contributing factor to fatal motorcycle crashes, accounting for 60 percent of deaths. If you are going to drink or consume drugs, do not ride. Call 911 if you see an impaired rider on the road.
Riding sober is an especially important tip. Along with our other data and information, it can help make the difference between you staying safe and undergoing a traumatic accident. Even with the utmost care, accidents still can happen. Contact Anthem Injury Lawyers if you’ve been the victim of another’s negligence in a motorcycle accident. Our years of experience successfully representing Las Vegas area clients in vehicle (and other personal injury cases) can greatly affect the amount of compensation you receive. Call us now to schedule your free case analysis: (702) 857-6000.
Know Your Motorcycle
You should start with the right motorcycle for you. How do you know if the motorcycle is right for you? It properly fits you. Your feet should reach the ground when seated on the motorcycle. The controls should be easy to operate. Your feet should reach the ground when seated on the motorcycle. The controls should be easy to operate.
To get to know your motorcycle, do the following:
- Read the owner’s manual.
- Know the motorcycle’s controls.
- Check the motorcycle before every ride.
- Keep the motorcycle in safe riding condition.
- Avoid modifications or add-ons that affect the motorcycle’s rideability.
Ensure Proper Motorcycle Equipment
Nevada law requires motorcycles be equipped with the following:
- Headlights
- Taillight
- Stoplight or brake light
- Reflector
- Brakes
- Electric turn signals
- Rearview mirrors
- Footrests
- Horn
- Muffler
Wear Protective Gear
Riders (and passengers) should wear:
- A DOT-compliant helmet.
- A face shield, goggles, or protective glasses.
- Protective clothing including sturdy over-the-ankle footwear with non-slip soles, long pants, protective jacket, and full-fingered gloves.
Know Your Responsibilities
Motorcycle safety is a big responsibility. Motorcyclists are responsible for complying with all laws and obeying the rules of the road. Safety requires control which begins with knowing your abilities and riding within them.
Understand Basic Vehicle Control
New riders should take a motorcycle safety course. The course should cover the basics of operating a motorcycle and safety-oriented mental strategies.
Keep Your Distance
Maintaining a cushion of distance on the roadway allows more time to respond and maneuver.
Be Skilled in Crash Avoidance
A prepared and skilled rider may be able to avoid a crash. Two critical skills to crash avoidance are knowing when and how to stop or swerve.
Understand How to Handle Dangerous Surfaces
It is your responsibility to know how to ride on dangerous surfaces. Your chances of an accident increase whenever you ride across a dangerous surface. You should know how to ride across the following:
- Uneven surfaces or obstacles
- Slippery surfaces
- Railroad tracks
- Grooves and gratings
Know How to Handle Mechanical Problems
Mechanical problems will occur. Properly handling a mechanical problem can help to avoid an emergency. Take into account road and traffic conditions when addressing a mechanical issue. You should know how to handle the following:
- Tire failure
- Stuck throttle
- Wobble
- Drive train problems
- Engine Seizure
Avoid Animals
If safe and possible, do everything you can to avoid hitting an animal. If you are in traffic, remain in your lane. You should know what to do if you are being chased by an animal. Do not kick the animal. Instead, downshift and approach the animal slowly. As you approach it, accelerate and leave the animal behind.
Be Comfortable with Flying Objects
As a rider, it is impossible to avoid all flying objects. You will be hit by insects, cigarettes, and pebbles kicked up by the tires of the vehicle ahead. If you are struck, keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the handlebars. When safe, pull off the road and repair the damage.
Know How to Get off the Road
It is your responsibility to safely get off the road. To safely get off the road:
- Check the roadside
- Signal
- Pull off the road
- Carefully park
Carry Passengers and Cargo Responsibly
Only experienced riders should carry passengers or larger loads. Passengers and cargo require extra practice, preparation, and caution.
Safety Rules for Group Riding
Group riding requires extra caution. It can be a safe experience for everyone if you follow the below rules for group riding.
- Base the length of the route and segments on the ability of the least experienced rider.
- Adjust curve pace to the ability of the least experienced rider.
- Do not tailgate or encourage the front rider to speed.
- Inexperienced riders should be behind the leader. This allows them to safely keep pace.
- Reduce fatigue by taking timely breaks.
- Keep adequate following distance and maintain a staggered formation.
- Except for an emergency, do not pass in the group.
- Stay alert and aware of traffic conditions when passing. Even though the previous riders passed safely, it may not be safe for you.
- Especially at intersections, maintain adequate time distance between riders.
- Check your mirrors frequently to ensure the group stays together.
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, you may have a valid personal injury claim and should seek legal advice. Contact Anthem Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation at (702) 857-6000.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Motorcycle Safety for Drivers
Drivers are also responsible for motorcycle safety. Drivers should stay aware of unique conditions that apply to motorcyclists to safely share the road. Below are tips from the Nevada DMV to help drivers safely share the road.
- Weather and road conditions can force motorcycles from their road position. Stay alert around motorcycles.
- When the road is wet or it is raining, allow extra following distance.
- Motorcyclists have the right to their own traffic lane.
- Two motorcycles may share a lane with consent.
- Motorcycles are smaller. They are less visible and may appear farther away than they actually are.
- The blinding effect of high beams is more dangerous for motorcyclists. Dim your headlights when approaching a motorcycle.
- Leave plenty of space when approaching a motorcycle from behind.
- A driver may not be able to judge how fast a motorcycle is traveling. Approach with caution.
- If you are changing lanes or turning, know where the motorcycle is located. Most motorcycles do not have self-canceling turn signals. Left turns in front of a motorcycle account for 46 percent of multi-vehicle fatal crashes.
Experienced Las Vegas Motorcycle Accident Lawyers
Motorcycle safety is everyone’s priority. If you are injured in a motorcycle accident that is not your fault, contact the experienced team at Anthem Injury Lawyers. Based in Henderson, Nevada, we work with clients all over the Las Vegas area. Should you need us to, we can come to you.
With over 25 years of experience representing clients in vehicular and other personal injury cases, Anthem Injury Lawyers specializes in personal injury claims. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
Call or text (702) 857-6000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
