In 1978, Ohio repealed its universal helmet law. Even though state law requires anyone younger than 18 or any motorcyclist with less than one year of experience to wear a helmet, Ohio ranked 36th in the nation for lives and economic costs saved due to helmet use as of 2010. In the absence of stricter helmet laws to protect against severe injuries, it is even more important for bikers to know every possible technique to avoid accidents.
The good news is that Ohio injury law requires riders to carry a motorcycle license or endorsement and bikers must pass some form of knowledge test, with many required to pass an on-cycle skills test as well. Even if you are a seasoned, licensed biker, however, you should periodically review the information provided in the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Motorcycle Operator Manual to remind you of the many techniques that can keep you safe. These include the following:
- Preparing to ride, which includes careful selection of a helmet, wearing clothing that makes you more visible, and knowing your specific motorcycle and your responsibilities.
- Maintaining control by riding within your personal capabilities, understanding the unique considerations faced by bikers at intersections, reacting properly to crash risks, and handling dangerous surfaces and many other concerns.
- Identifying when you should not ride, including the use of alcohol or drugs, recognizing when you are too tired to ride, and making sure the people you care about avoid riding when they are incapacitated.
Motorcycles provide a fun and economical way to get around town. However, in any motorcycle crash, even helmeted riders run the risk of serious injury. No matter how many years you have been riding, you are likely to find some new information that can help you avoid an accident in the future.
Of course, even with exceptional motorcycling skills, accidents do happen. Moreover, even if another driver is entirely responsible for a motorcycle crash, public opinion can sway anyone from insurance claims adjustors to jury members to assume fault on the part of the biker. To protect your rights, it makes sense to seek immediate help from an experienced Cincinnati injury attorney who understands how these accidents happen.