By:  Andrew S. Prince, Esq.
Attorney
1-(800)-TEAM-LAW (832-6529)
aprinceesq@aol.com 
Call With Any Questions or Concerns!

To protect yourself while riding on a motorcycle in New Jersey, follow the safety tips discussed below.  If you have sustained a serious personal injury in a motorcycle accident, contact Andrews S. Prince for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.  He will provide you with a free, no obligation consultation to review your claim and determine if you have a case that entitles you to compensation.

1. Wear the Right Gear

In New Jersey, the State’s motorcycle laws require all operators and passengers to wear a helmet while operating or riding a motorcycle, per New Jersey Revised Statutes 39:3-76.7.

A motorcycle helmet must be sized properly for the wearer and fastened with neck or chin straps.  Additionally, the helmet must feature reflective material and be of a type approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).

Motorcycle drivers also must wear a face shield or protective goggles while riding. However, if an approved wind screen has been installed on the motorcycle, the driver is not required to wear protective eyewear.

While not required by law, motorcyclist should wear additional protective gear that covers the body because it may significantly reduce the risk of serious injury during a crash.  Protective motorcycle gear can include:

• Long-sleeved jackets that are resistant to abrasions
• Over-the-ankles boots
• Snug, full-fingered gloves
• Pants made from abrasion-resistant materials, such as leather.

2. Make Sure You Are Visible to Other Motorists

Because motorcycles are smaller vehicles, motorcyclists are often less visible to motorists driving a truck or passenger vehicle.

Unfortunately, many motorists are untrained to look for motorcycles and do not always anticipate that a motorcyclist is traveling next to them.

However, improving your visibility will help other drivers see you and may reduce the risk of being in an accident.  A motorcyclist can improve his or her safety by:

• Ensuring the motorcycle’s headlights, tall lights and brake lights are working to improve visibility on the roads
• Using reflective tape or decals on a motorcycle, helmet or other gear to help other motorists see you on the road
• Riding outside of other vehicles’ blind spots whenever possible.
• Choosing to wear gear that is brightly colored and will allow you to stand out more to other motorists

3. Drive Defensively

Additionally, driving defensively can help you to protect yourself and improve your reaction time to hazards you may encounter while riding a motorcycle.  Some useful defensive driving tips for motorcyclists are:

• Keeping an eye on what other drivers are doing.  Your observations can clue you in to what their next move may be so you can react appropriately.
• Using your turn signal when turning or changing lanes.  Turn it on with plenty of time before you maneuver so other drivers have time to see.
• Remaining calm while driving.  When other drivers cut you off or drive recklessly around you, do not retaliate.  Keep a level head and pull over if you need to.
• Staying out of blind spots when possible.  Leave ample space when passing other vehicles, changing lanes or merging to avoid collisions.  Always double-check your blind spots before maneuvering.

4. Know Your Skill Level

All motorcyclists should know their skill level and should not ride under conditions or in areas that are beyond your skills set.  This includes avoiding hazards such as inclement weather, uneven roadways or heaving traffic areas.

Even the most experienced riders can benefit from occasionally brushing on motorcycle skills and knowledge.  I highly recommend you taking a motorcycle safety class for beginner or intermediate or advanced.  You will learn something new.  I promise. The best place to check out is Rider Education of New Jersey (renj@renj.com).

5. Be Alert

Taking your attention of the road while riding motorcycle significantly reduce your risk of being involved in an accident. Always stay focused on the road and your surroundings and remember to avoid distractions while driving.  

In New Jersey, it is illegal to use handheld cellphones or other electronic devices to talk or text while operating a motorcycle. In addition to cellphone use, avoid these common distractions while riding:

• Using a GPS or handheld electronic device
• Adjusting the radio
• Smoking
• Eating or drinking
• Talking to a Passenger

Furthermore, motorcyclists must follow the same drink driving laws as other motorists.  It is illegal to operate a motorcycle with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or higher. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal and can impair your vision, judgment and reaction times and may lead to accidents causing you or other serious injury of death.

5. Contact New Jersey Motorcycle Accident Lawyer, Andrew Prince.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact Andrew Prince for a free consultation.

He will discuss your claim to determine if you have legal options to hold the at-fault party liable for his or her negligence.  He will thoroughly investigate your claim to determine if you have a case that entitled you to compensation for your pain and suffering.  As a dedicated personal injury attorney, Andrew Prince works only on a contingency. This means all of his services are provided at no upfront cost and you only pay if he helps you recover compensation.

Andrew Prince can help you determine your legal options for holding the liable party responsible for the harm he or she caused.  He will work to obtain the maximum compensation!  Do you want to talk with Andrew Prince who will not steer you wrong?  Call (800) 832-6529 or (732) 388-5454 to speak with Andrew Prince.  You can also email Andrew Prince at aprinceesq@aol.com or fax at (732) 428-1509. 

Andrew S. Prince, Esq.
TEAM-LAW
136 Central Avenue
Clark, NJ 07066
(732) 388-5454
1 (800) 832-6529
(732) 428-1509 — Fax
Aprinceesq@aol.com

We have additional Offices in Edison, East Brunswick, Jersey City, Newark, Orange, Perth Amboy and Westfield, NJ.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.