Three Wheeled Automobiles
This month, theMotorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) announced the introduction of a letter to theNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) regarding the current federal definition of motorcycles. NHTSA defines a motorcycle as a motor vehicle with motive power having a seat or saddle for the use of the rider and designed to travel on not more than three wheels in contact with the ground. With the recent proliferation of three-wheeled automobiles such as the Polaris Slingshot and the Campagna T-Rex, this definition is no longer adequate. A motor vehicle equipped with a foot-controlled accelerator and a steering wheel should not fall…
Motorcycle Fatalities
Nationwide Decline for Motorcycle Fatalities On Wednesday, October 3rd, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released its preliminary report on 2017 traffic fatalities. After two consecutive years of rising fatalities, 2017 saw a 1.1% decrease nationwide in overall traffic fatalities. Motorcycle fatalities, which also increased in both 2015 and 2016, saw a 3.1% decrease in 2017. That is certainly welcomed news. It is important to point out that the report represents the preliminary data. We will be able to better identify trends and causative factors in the next couple of months after NHTSA releases its full report on traffic…
Tips To Keep Your Motorcycle Running In Top Shape
Keeping your bike in proper working order helps keep you safe on the road. Some riders like to handle nearly all types of maintenance on their own, while others trust the big service jobs to professional mechanics. Even if you’re not mechanically inclined, there are still a handful of relatively easily routine maintenance jobs you can likely perform yourself. These are just general suggestions. The actual proper application of each of the following maintenance suggestions may vary depending on the year, make and model of your motorcycle. Always consult your owner’s manual before performing any maintenance on your bike. Checking…
Motorcycle Helmet Laws
Motorcycle Helmet Laws in Virginia and North Carolina Are you and your helmet compliant with the motorcycle helmet laws in Virginia and North Carolina? Find out by familiarizing yourself with the relevant statutes. Virginia Motorcycle Helmet Laws Virginia’s motorcycle helmet laws can be found instate statute 46.2-910. They require every person operating or riding as a passenger on a motorcycle or autocycle to wear a helmet and use some type of eye protection, which may include: Face shields Safety goggles Having their motorcycle equipped with safety glass or a windshield The only exception are riders or passengers on motorcycles with…
Unwritten Rules Of Riding Motorcycles
Assume Every Car or Truck on the Road Is an Accident Waiting to Happen Every motorist, regardless of their vehicle, is well served by driving defensively. Motorcyclists should take defensive driving up a notch and essentially ride as if they’re invisible. Car, truck and SUV drivers regularly cut motorcyclists off, drift into their lane or even tailgate riders as if they have little to no regard for rider safety. Assuming you’re invisible to drivers puts you in an avoidance-mode mindset. You can’t rely on other drivers to keep you safe – you have to be the responsible one. Bugs and…
Partner Inducted Into the SC Biker Hall Of Fame
We are excited to announce that one of our partners, Chad Fuller, was recently inducted into the South Carolina Biker Hall of Fame. The SC Biker Hall of Fame was created in 2014 to highlight the men and women in South Carolina who have dedicated their lives to riding motorcycles and have made a positive impact on the South Carolina biker community. When Chad joined theMotorcycle Law Group in 2010, we knew his passion for riding and years of trial experience made him the perfect fit for our team. Chad heads ourSouth Carolina office and is an advocate for motorcyclists’…
Motorcycle License Plate Placement Laws
You just bought the bike of your dreams and you’re ready to get out on the open road. Fresh air, travel and adventure await! Before you head out, there are few things you want to make sure you have so you don’t get yourself in trouble. As silly and miniscule as it may seem, where you put your license plate could get you pulled over. If you want to avoid an encounter with the police, here are some tips on motorcycle license placement to keep you riding. How to Display Your Licence Plate on Your Motorcycle You should check your…
Who’s Responsible For An Accident
Can a Motorcycle Manufacture or Third-party Part Manufacture Be Responsible for an Accident? Yes, a motorcycle manufacturer or the manufacturer of third-party accessories and gear can potentially be liable for motorcycle accidents and injuries. In most motorcycle accidents where a rider is seriously injured, either the rider or another driver on the road will be responsible for the accident. However, there are certainly some scenarios where a mechanical failure either contributes to an accident or outright causes an accident. There can also be scenarios where a mechanic who worked on a motorcycle may have made a mistake. If your mechanic…
Motorcycle Safety Preparedness
How to be Prepared and Ensure Safety While Riding Our friends at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have put out their 2018 report on motorcycle crashes and fatalities. The latest report focuses on data collected for the year 2016. According to NHTSA, motorcycle fatalities rose 5.1% between 2015 and 2016. The report also states that 25% of those fatalities were related to alcohol impairment. Finally, NHTSA indicates that the lack of mandatory motorcycle helmet laws nationwide is a contributing factor to the rise in motorcycle fatalities. When you read the report, it is easy to conclude that motorcyclists…