# 3 Rookie Mistakes to Avoid on Motorcycles | Edelman, Krasin & Jaye **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. 1. Not Wearing a Helmet 2. 2. Running Out of Fuel 3. 3. Leaving Your Turn Signals On 4. Call an Experienced NYC Motorcycle Accident Lawyer # 3 Rookie Mistakes to Avoid on Motorcycles If you’ve just started riding a motorcycle, you want to make sure you drive it safely. Motorcycles are not surrounded by the tons of metal that car and truck drivers and passengers are, yet they share roadways with both those vehicles. So you are more vulnerable on a motorcycle in case of accidents. In fact, you are more vulnerable *to *accidents, as many motorists on other vehicles don’t see or accommodate motorcyclists. Watch out for these 3 rookie motorcycle mistakes. ## 1. Not Wearing a Helmet Helmets and protective goggles are both required by New York State law. Motorcyclists who are in accidents can be thrown from the motorcycle. Damage to the head is the most frequent cause of death in motorcycle crashes. A helmet protects your head. Riders who don’t wear helmets are three times more likely to sustain a brain injury due to a crash. Make sure you buy a U.S. Department of Transportation-approved helmet. For a free legal consultation, call [(800) 469-7429](tel:+18004697429) ## 2. Running Out of Fuel Running out of fuel on a motorcycle is a rookie mistake because the fuel gauge will help you in a car. It won’t necessarily help you on a motorcycle, because many motorcycles are made without fuel indicators. Make no mistake, running out of fuel is not just an inconvenience. It can be dangerous, causing the motorcycle to sputter or stall, or leaving you stranded in areas where it might be dangerous or highly inadvisable to be on the side of the road. There are two solutions to running out of fuel. Experiment by setting the meter to 0 after you’ve filled it, and then ride locally until it’s close to empty. Check whether it’s close to empty by looking inside it. This will give you a good sense of the mileage with a full tank. Plan your trips accordingly. If you must go on a longer trip before you have the average, check the fuel tank accordingly to make sure you don’t run out. ## 3. Leaving Your Turn Signals On While turn signals on a car cancel themselves after the turn has been made, many motorcycle turn signals don’t do this. You have to manually turn the signals off on many makes and models. Be sure to train yourself to manually override turn signals once you’ve made a turn. Remember, other vehicles are looking at your signals to see your intentions. Don’t let them think you’re turning soon when you have no intention of doing so. It could be dangerous for both of you. [Click to contact](https://ekjlaw.com/contact-us/) our [criminal defense lawyers](/) today ## Call an Experienced NYC Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Motorcycle accidents cause fatalities and injuries throughout the nation, including New York state. The motorcycle accident attorneys at Edelman, Krasin & Jaye have had decades of experience litigating these accidents. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a motorcycle accident, we can help. Our initial consultation is free; we will discuss your case and potential next steps. Call today for a free consultation with an experienced New York City and Long Island motorcycle accident lawyer today. **Additional Resources:** 1. 8 Common Mistakes New Motorcycle Riders Make. Motorcyclecentral.com. https://motorcycle-central.com/8-common-mistakes-new-motorcycle-riders-make/ 2. New York State Department of Health. 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