Road Safety: What Are Your Rights As Motorcycle Passengers
Riding a motorcycle as a passenger can be fun. Instead of navigating the vehicle by yourself, you can expect another person to do it for you. Unfortunately, just like the motorcycle operator, you also have a high chance of getting into trouble, such as a road accident. Since you have less control over the operation of the bike, the law ensures the protection of your rights from anything that might happen.
If you enjoy the excitement of riding with your loved ones as a motorcycle passenger, below are the rights you need to keep in mind from the get-go:
Right To Wear Proper Protective Clothing
Motorcycle rides can be dangerous. One wrong move can put you and the bike operator in mortal danger. Because of this, you always have the right to wear proper protective clothing to safeguard yourself against possible accidents on the road. These might include a quality pair of riding boots, a protective jacket, heavy jeans, gloves, and a helmet.
Typically, wearing appropriate gear and safety equipment serves as protection from accidents and injuries. And just like the operator, you should never deprive yourself of this right to ensure a safe and pleasant riding experience as a passenger.
Right To Ask The Driver To Slow Down If You Feel They’re Driving Unsafely
In addition to wearing protective clothing, you also have the right to ask the motorcycle driver to slow down if you feel they’re driving recklessly. When you ride as a passenger, you should make sure they follow some safety precautions to show concern for your enjoyment and welfare. Also, you should expect them to explain to you the basics of riding a bike as a passenger. These might include how to sit on, mount, what to do during a brake or stop, and, more importantly, ask the driver to slow down when necessary.
As a passenger, you have every right to remind the driver of some safety protocols. Even if you don’t have full control over the bike, you must still check their behavior during the ride.
Right To Take Out Insurance
You never want to get involved in an accident while riding at the back of the motorcycle. In such a case, you need to protect yourself from the expenses by getting familiar with how insurance works.
As motorcycle passengers like you are prone to accidents, you have the right to take out an insurance policy if you feel it’s necessary. With this protection in place, you can rest knowing that in case a motorcycle accident happens, your insurance will cover your injuries.
Right To Be Compensated If You’re Injured In An Accident
As mentioned, a motorcycle ride can lead to accidents, especially if the operator is negligent
about their driving. And in the event you sustain injuries while riding at the back of the bike driver, you have the right to seek monetary damages by filing an injury claim to cover your medical expenses and other related costs. To do this, you need the assistance of a dedicated attorney to get the compensation that you deserve.
Remember, the injuries you’ve incurred from the motorcycle accident are so catastrophic that they might change your life forever. That’s why after dealing with an injury accident due to someone else’s carelessness, it’s essential to team up with the best attorney in your area to help you enforce your rights as a motorcycle passenger.
Right To Refuse Riding The Bike If You Feel The Driver Is Unsafe
Aside from asking the driver to slow down, you also have every right to refuse a motorcycle ride if you feel the one operating is unsafe. When going on road trips, your safety should be your number one priority. No matter how cautious you are as a passenger, you might still get involved in an accident because of the driver’s negligence.
For this reason, always assess the motorcycle operator’s ability to keep you safe during the ride. Know whether they follow safe motorcycle riding tips from start to finish. And if you still have a terrible feeling about riding a bike with someone else, don’t hesitate to refuse the ride as early as possible. By doing so, you can protect your life from imminent danger.
Wrapping Up
Ultimately, being a motorcycle passenger isn’t only about fun and excitement. Sometimes, you need to be aware of your rights to ensure your protection and avoid the problems caused by accidents and injuries. Besides, getting injured as a result of a bike accident can cause a lot of stress and frustration.
So, keep the rights mentioned above in mind before you consider going for a ride at the back of a motorcycle.