Alabama’s Motorcycle Safety Laws

Most people prefer to ride a bike because it gives them a sense of openness and freedom. However, this same ‘freedom’ also makes the rider vulnerable to injury during an accident. Due to this lurking danger, Montgomery, AL, has enacted various laws that can safeguard riders especially in the case of severe accidents.

If you are based in Alabama and love to ride a bike, you should be mindful of the laws prevalent there to ensure roadway safety. Unfortunately, no matter how responsibly you ride, there are always careless drivers on the road. The existence of such drivers can cause severe accidents and even loss of lives at times. If a negligent motorist hurts you, get in touch with our competent motorcycle accident attorneys in Montgomery at Manley Traeger. In this post, we help you understand Alabama’s motorcycle laws:

Alabama’s Motorcycle Helmet Law

Regardless of age, all motorcycle riders are mandated to wear helmets while riding. The law requires:

• Helmets to have a sturdy exterior shell that prevents penetration of foreign object on impact
• Helmets have a shock-absorbent cradle to support the head as well as maintain separation between the head and outer shell
• The padding of the helmet should be impact-resistant and have substantial thickness for proper protection
• Any material that causes skin irritation must be avoided
• The chin straps should be adjustable and have a chin guard that holds the helmet securely in place

There are many Alabama laws that ensure the enhanced safety of motorcycle passengers too. The state expects every motorcycle rider to stick to the following rules when riding with a pillion on the state’s roadways:

• Passengers must wear helmets
• A passenger cannot ride a motorcycle, if they cannot rest their feet on the footrests or pegs present on either of the bike
• Not more than two people can ride a bike at one point in time

Alabama’s License Laws

An individual who is 16 years or older and has been issued a Class M driver’s license is eligible to operate a motorcycle. Alabama is one of the few states that do not require a license for motorcycle drivers. An individual who is at least 14 years of age may apply for a restricted license.

Common Traffic Laws in Alabama

All riders in Alabama are mandated to follow traffic laws like any other motorist. Here are some:

• Must not exceed the speed limit
• Must not share the lane with other motor vehicles, except motorcycles
• Must stop at all traffic signs

Alabama’s traffic laws can sometimes get confusing. One of the significant points of controversy is the ‘dead red’ law. These ‘dead red’ lights occur when a red light with an induction sensor fails to change on time. This mainly happens because the sensors fail to identify motorcycles, and thus, these lights don’t ‘trip’, thereby holding the traffic for long. Though 16 states around the country have passed traffic laws that allow motorcyclists to run a red light, Alabama, is not one of these states.

Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Due to the small size of a motorcycle, its visibility is often obstructed by other vehicles on the road. Some of the common causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Hazardous road conditions: Dangerous road conditions such as debris lying on the roadway, loose gravel, and uneven pavement often lead to dangerous motorcycle accidents.
• Speeding: Motorcycle accidents occur when riders drive aggressively, speed, tailgate, or drive inattentively.
• Left turns: Most motorcycle collisions occur when a motorcycle makes a left turn. Even though motorists on the road check mirrors before turning, a motorcycle often becomes difficult to spot.
• Driving under the influence: Drunken driving is another contributing factor in motorcycle accidents.

Contact Our Montgomery Motorcycle Injury Attorneys Motorcycle accidents often lead to serious and permanent injuries, loss of earnings, and costly medical bills. Located in Montgomery, Alabama, our Montgomery motorcycle injury attorneys, work with victims of road crashes and collisions to help them recover compensation. Call us at 334-777-6226 and receive a free case evaluation with one of our experienced lawyers.