Join Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys in celebrating Tennessee Ride to Work Day on June 20, 2022! This annual holiday, held on the third Monday of June, celebrates and brings awareness to those who ride motorcycles or mopeds to work. Other motorists are encouraged to share the road with riders while practicing safe driving to help prevent Tennessee traffic accidents.
Our Nashville motorcycle lawyers help a significant number of motorcycle accident victims who are struggling to obtain compensation for their injuries, which are often the fault of negligent motorists.
Many of these accidents are preventable, which is why we support the mission of the Ride to Work foundation. Find out more about Tennessee Ride to Work Day below, including some helpful tips for riders and motorists.
Benefits of Riding a Motorcycle
Part of the Ride to Work mission is to encourage the continued use of smaller vehicles like motorcycles, mopeds, and scooters in people’s day-to-day lives. But what’s so great about motorcycles compared to a traditional car?
Efficiency
Not only are they fun to ride, but motorcycles are also efficient. More efficient vehicles save energy, take up less space in parking lots and on the road, and leave a smaller environmental footprint. They also use less gas than cars and trucks, which helps the planet and your wallet. Also, when it comes to keeping your wallet full, smaller vehicles tend to have less maintenance than a large vehicle with more parts.
Community
Motorcycles, bikes, mopeds, and scooters are used by people of all ages, occupations, and walks of life. Riders tend to build a sense of community around their way of transportation. In this way, these vehicles offer even more than just saving resources—they also add belonging and a way to socialize through motorcycle clubs and meetups.
Safety Tips for Tennessee Motorcyclists
If you want to experience a different way to commute, Tennessee Ride to Work Day is a great opportunity to learn more about motorcycles, including how to ride safely.
Enroll in a Motorcycle Safety Course
If you wish to ride your motorcycle in Tennessee, you must first get your license through the Driver Services division of the Department of Safety and Homeland Security. When you enroll in a certified Motorcycle Rider Education Program (MREP), you’ll learn all the skills you need to ride safely.
Wear a Helmet
Tennessee follows the “universal helmet law.” This law means that anyone on a motorcycle, whether they are a driver or a rider, must have a helmet on. Your helmet should be intended for motorcycle use, and be snug and fit to your head.
Helmets can mean the difference between life and death in an accident, reducing and preventing head injuries like traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries.
Follow Tennessee Motorcycle Laws
In addition to wearing a helmet, those participating in Tennessee Ride to Work Day must obey the following motorcycle laws:
- Lane splitting is strictly prohibited in the state of Tennessee.
- Daytime use of a headlight is required.
- Wear eye protection unless your motorcycle is equipped with a windshield.
- Your motorcycle must have a functional left and ride side mirror.
- If you’re riding with a passenger, ensure that your motorcycle has a passenger seat and footrest.
Related topic: 7 Causes of Deadly Motorcycle Accidents in Nashville
Safety Tips for Other Motorists
Tennessee Ride to Work Day is also about reminding drivers of cars and trucks that they are not alone on the roads. Motorists in larger vehicles can help keep motorcyclists safe with these tips.
- Check your blind spots regularly before maneuvering into another lane.
- Give motorcyclists space. If a large group of motorcyclists is sharing the road, be mindful of their group size. Motorcycles often ride in formation, and they will remain out of your way. Leave a following distance of at least three to four seconds between you and motorcyclists.
- Share the road, but don’t share lanes. Give motorcyclists a full lane width.
- It can be difficult to judge how fast a motorcycle is traveling and its distance due to its small size. Always use your signal to give motorcyclists plenty of time to react.
Injured in a Nashville Motorcycle Accident?
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to compensation for your hospital bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys offers free consultations for accident victims to discuss your legal options. In addition to providing top-notch legal representation, our staff prides itself on helping clients carry the emotional burden of an injury so that they can focus on recovery.
You can reach Lerner and Rowe 24/7 at 615-333-8888 to speak with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer. You can also talk with a representative online using our LiveChat service, or send us the details of your case for a free case review. Contact us today!