Tips Offered to Keep S.C. Motorcyclists Safe

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Make sure that your helmet fits properly. A full-face model is the best bet, since it protects all of your face and neck.

Columbia, SC (PRWEB) March 18, 2009

Spring is just around the corner, and that means thousands of South Carolina motorcyclists will soon be hitting the road.

But that increase in ridership will bring a corresponding rise in motorcycle accidents -- many of them fatal, cautions a Columbia, S.C. law firm.

"Be careful out there," says Bert Louthian, of the Louthian Law Firm. "We're entering the peak riding season, when the majority of motorcycle accidents and fatalities occur."

Most fatalities occur during the summer months of June through September, while the highest numbers of accidents take place in July and August.

Louthian says there are steps that motorcyclists can take to make their rides safer.

"While helmets aren't required in South Carolina, wearing one is the most important thing you can do to protect yourself while enjoying your motorcycle," he said.

In 2007, 119 motorcyclists were killed in South Carolina, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and 74 percent -- or nearly three of every four fatalities -- were not wearing helmets.

"Pure and simple, helmets save lives," Louthian says. "Make sure that your helmet fits properly. A full-face model is the best bet, since it protects all of your face and neck."

Other safety measures include:

• Wear clothing made of thick, tough material, such as the leather jackets popular among bikers.
• Give your bike a once-over before every trip. "If there's a problem, you want to catch it before you're on the freeway. Lights, tire pressure, fluid levels and brakes should all be checked out before you get rolling," Louthian says.
• In addition to the pre-trip checklist, keep up with regular maintenance by checking the owner's manual for the recommended service schedule.
• Brightly colored gear with reflective strips can do a lot to increase your visibility and keep you safe, Louthian says. He cautions against riding in other vehicles' blind spots while on a motorcycle.
• When riding in a group, keep at least two seconds between yourself and the bike in front of you and pass other vehicles individually, Louthian says.

About The Louthian Law Firm

The Louthian Law Firm, P.A., of Columbia, South Carolina, has been obtaining fair compensation for S.C. personal injury victims since 1959. It was founded by Herbert Louthian, who has more than 40 years of trial experience and is licensed to practice in all courts in South Carolina. The Louthian Law Firm focuses on personal injury cases involving car, truck and motorcycle accidents, medical malpractice and other serious and catastrophic injuries throughout South Carolina. For a confidential case evaluation, contact the firm by phone at (866) 410-5656 or visit the firm's website at http://www.louthianlaw.com/.

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