Chris Hammons | April 3, 2025 | Motorcyle Accidents
A motorcycle accident is a terrifying experience, and the aftermath is sometimes even worse as shock, pain, and fear set in. Additionally, it is infuriating to realize that all of your suffering arose from someone else’s negligence.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are more than 20 times as likely to die in an accident than automobile drivers. Riders with passengers are even more likely to die or suffer serious injury, and passengers bear equal risk. There are several steps you can take, however, to increase safety.
Understand the Effect of a Motorcycle Passenger
Carrying a motorcycle passenger increases your stopping distance. It also allows smaller weight shifts to destabilize your bike, increasing the likelihood of a spill. Without a helmet, even a low-speed crash can result in deadly consequences. In response to these added dangers, increase your following distance behind other vehicles and round corners with greater care.
Inspect Your Motorcycle
Carefully check your motorcycle’s safety features before you take on a passenger:
- Since carrying a passenger adds extra weight, make sure to increase the tire pressure. The heavier your passenger, the more pressure you need to add.
- Check your suspension to find out if it is in good condition. If it’s not, then don’t take on a passenger.
- Check the brakes. The greater the weight of the passenger, the greater the stress on the brake system. Make sure your brakes are in top condition before you take on a passenger.
- Does your motorcycle include a passenger seat and footpegs? If not, then install them, At the very least make sure you have foot pegs.
Inspect for comfort, not only safety, because an uncomfortable passenger will shift their body position frequently, resulting in safety issues.
Teach Your Passenger How To Ride on a Motorcycle
Your passenger’s cooperation is essential to ensure a safe ride for both of you. Tell your passenger to hold on tight and not to shift their weight while the bike is in motion. A major passenger weight shift could lead to an accident. The heavier your passenger, the more careful they have to be.
Provide Your Passenger With a Helmet
Don’t even think about carrying a passenger unless you have helmets for both of you. Although Oklahoma law does not require adults to wear a helmet, wearing one is essential for safety reasons.
Mount and Dismount Safely
You need to mount and dismount safely to avoid a spill and to maintain proper weight distribution once the bike is in motion. Keep your bike upright, hold the brake, and let your passenger mount the bike first.
Your passenger should step onto the footpeg and swing their other leg over the seat. You do the same, and both of you follow these procedures in reverse to dismount safely.
Start Slowly
Start off slowly and smoothly, taking special care around curves and during turns. Give your passenger time to acclimate to riding with you. Increase your speed only gradually.
Adjust Your Riding
Brake slowly, not suddenly, and maintain awareness of the nature of the surface below you. Since braking on gravel can tip you over, plan your stops. In a best-case scenario, you would know the route in advance. Pay special attention to wind resistance, since taking a passenger increases wind resistance.
Maintain Situational Awareness
Scan the road ahead for potholes, gravel, and other obstacles. Know in advance when you are likely to have to stop suddenly and keep a constant watch on other drivers. Do your best to stay out of other drivers’ blind spots. Keep in mind that other drivers might not be looking out for motorcycles, and drive accordingly.
Let Us Help You Fight Back
Operating a motorcycle with a passenger is substantially different than riding on your own. However, with some practice and the right advice in mind, you can enjoy yourself and provide your passenger with a thrilling experience as well.
Contact Our Oklahoma City Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Laird Hammons Laird Trial Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Take things slowly – and if you’ve gotten into an accident that wasn’t your fault, reach out to an experienced attorney for a free consultation to learn about recovering compensation.
For more information, please contact an experienced Oklahoma City motorcycle accident lawyer at Laird Hammons Laird Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation today. Our law office is located in Oklahoma City.
We proudly serve Oklahoma County, OK and its surrounding areas:
Laird Hammons Laird Personal Injury Lawyers – OKC
1332 SW 89th St,
Oklahoma City, OK 73159
(405) 703-4567
