As the busy riding season gets under way, Providence lawyer offers pointers for staying safe on Rhode Island highways.

Providence, RI, April 16, 2009 -- Spring is just around the corner, and that means thousands of Rhode Island motorcyclists will soon be hitting the road. But that increase in ridership will bring a corresponding rise in motorcycle accidents -- some of them fatal, cautions a Providence lawyer.

"There's nothing like the experience of riding a motorcycle on the open road," said Mark Gemma of Gemma Law Associates, Inc. "But be careful out there because other vehicles don't always watch out for you."

Gemma praised Rhode Island's Division of Motor Vehicles for offering a motorcycle safety course. The course is required to obtain a license to operate a motorcycle in the state.

But Gemma noted that Rhode Island only requires helmets for riders under age 21 or novice riders and passengers, even though head injuries are among the leading cause of death among cyclists. In 2007, 75 percent of the Rhode Island motorcyclists who were fatally injured were not wearing helmets.

"Pure and simple, one of the most effective steps that motorcyclists can take to make their rides safer is to wear an approved helmet," Gemma said.

Other safety measures include:

• Wear protective gear: Wear clothing made of thick, tough material, such as the leather jackets and chaps popular among bikers.

• Give your bike a once-over before every trip. In addition to the pre-trip checklist, keep up with regular maintenance by checking the owner's manual for the recommended service schedule.

• Maintain visibility: Brightly colored gear with reflective strips can increase your visibility and keep you safe. Also, don't ride in other vehicles' blind spots while on a motorcycle.

• When riding in a group, keep at least two seconds between yourself and the bike in front of you and pass other vehicles individually.

About Gemma Law Associates, Inc.

Gemma Law Associates, Inc. is a highly regarded Providence, Rhode Island law firm that concentrates in personal injury law, including motorcycle accidents and car accidents. If you've suffered a serious personal injury call Gemma Law Associates, Inc. at 401-467-2300 or contact the firm through its Web site at http://www.gemmalaw.com/ for a free case evaluation.

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