The new law, called "Jarrad's Law," was adopted after 18-year-old Jarrad Cole of Sacramento lost his life in a fatal Southern California motorcycle accident on the same day that he received his new bike. While he had his motorcycle learner's permit, it was obtained by only having to take a state-mandated written exam-no official on-road training. Cole's accident occurred on a dead-end street in his neighborhood, while his father was retrieving cones out of their garage in order to set up a makeshift motorcycle safety course on their street.
The new law requires riders under the age of 21 to undergo a California State Highway Patrol motorcycle safety course lasting 15 hours, in addition to the written exam. It would uphold the previous rules that prevent teen riders from riding with a passenger, on a freeway, or at night.
Regardless of the rider's age, our Southern California motorcycle accident injury lawyers urge bikers to heed the following safety tips in order to prevent injuries or fatalities.
- Always wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle. Beside the fact that it is illegal not to wear a motorcycle helmet in California, countless statistics show that a helmet can greatly increase your chance of survival in the event of an accident.
- Just because you can see a driver doesn't mean that the driver can see you. Never ride your bike in a car's blind spot, and keep a safe distance between cars and trucks in front of and behind you.
- Never try to pass in between two cars. Always staying in your lane is imperative, especially since you never know when a car or truck is going to change lanes.
- Wear protective gear. This tip goes hand-in-hand with wearing your helmet. Accidents can happen at any time and to anyone, no matter how safe of a driver you are. Padded long-sleeves and long pants, gloves, goggles, and boots can prevent serious injuries if your bike goes down.
- As with any motor vehicle, service your motorcycle to ensure that it is in top working condition at all times. When you are on your bike, there is nothing between you and the road. A motorcycle breaking down and being involved in an accident can be a lot more severe than if it happens to a car.
Have you or a loved one suffered serious injury due to a motorcycle accident in Southern California? Contact the attorneys who wrote the book on serious California injury cases for your free copy of Seven Biggest Mistakes That Can Ruin Your California Injury Claim. Call Steinberg at 1-800-350-8888 today.
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