Motorcycle operators often want to head out onto the road with a passenger on the back of their bike. This is legal, but it requires some extra safety measures to ensure that both of you reach your destination safely. You cannot control other drivers’ actions, but you can be careful. If you or your passenger has been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact an experienced attorney to learn more about whether you can’t qualify for financial compensation.
The Law Allows You to Ride with a Passenger
Nothing in the law says that you cannot have a passenger on the back of your motorcycle while you are riding. A passenger is allowed to ride on a permanent and fixed seat on a motorcycle so long as it is designed for a rider and a passenger. The passenger must sit astride the seat with a leg on each side of the motorcycle. At the same time, the passenger cannot interfere with the motorcycle’s operation.
Safety Tips for the Motorcycle Operator
When a passenger is on your motorcycle, it is vital that you focus on the road and not on them. There may be a temptation to have a conversation while riding, but this takes your attention away from being safe. You can always talk safely when you reach your destination. In the meantime, you must pretend they are not there except to keep them safe.
It is also crucial for the operator and passenger to communicate before they head out on the road. The rider should convey any safety tips and expectations to the passenger, especially if the passenger has never ridden on the back of a motorcycle before. While the two should limit communication when the motorcycle is in operation, they should speak whenever it is necessary to deal with a safety issue.
As far as the operator is concerned, it is essential that they maintain a safe speed and avoid distractions at all times. With a passenger, the vehicle has more weight and may respond differently than it would if just the driver were on board. For example, the motorcyclist must allow a little bit of additional time when changing lanes or trying to pass a vehicle. Any sudden move increases the possibility of a severe accident. The driver must focus intently because they have two people’s lives in their own hands.
Safety Tips for the Passenger
Then, the passenger must also take measures to remain safe. If the motorcycle has any type of handle for the passenger to hold on to, they should do it at all times. In many cases, the passenger should hold on to the motorcycle’s tank as a means of stability. Otherwise, they should keep their hands around the operator’s waist to ensure that they are as secure as possible. This would ensure their stability when the motorcycle is in operation.
The passenger may be inclined to sit vertically and remain as upright as possible. However, this is not the safest position for them. Passengers should lean slightly forward into the operator, but not too much so.
The insurance company likes to blame motorcyclists for the accident because they know it can get them out of paying the large sum of money you may be due in an accident. A motorcycle accident lawyer can defend you from any allegations and present your story. If the insurance company still persists in blaming you, you can always take your case to trial and let the jury decide the matter.
Contact a Pennsylvania Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Bikers Have Rights to Learn More
A Pennsylvania motorcycle accident lawyer at Bikers Have Rights can help you if you are injured in a crash. The legal process has numerous pitfalls and perils, so you need a lawyer to navigate on your behalf. Call 215-525-1616 or 877-333-0300 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. Located in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, we serve injured motorcyclists throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.