Marsalisi Law
dangers of texting on a motorcycle

Using your phone while riding a motorcycle sounds insane and for good reason.  It is insane.  Not only are you more distracted personally, but you’re also less likely to notice other motorists making mistakes.

Despite the insanity of using your phone and riding, people still do it. In fact, one study of Vietnamese riders found that more than 51% of them used their phones while riding to look up information and 49% would text and ride.

Those are frightening numbers.  Despite motorcycle accidents being on the rise, there are still riders who are out there texting, searching the web, or on social media while driving.

We want to put an end to that here at Marsalisi Law.  If common sense is not enough to keep you from riding and texting, find some other compelling reasons below.  If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident as a result of another person driving and texting, or being distracted by their phone, contact us today.

Texting Equals More Distractions While Driving

Of course, texting and driving make you more distracted.  Study after study has shown this. Law after law has been passed to criminalize texting and driving.  When you’re on a motorcycle, though, the stakes are higher.

Practicing defensive driving while riding is a necessity to stay safe.  It’s impossible to be defensive if you’re looking at your phone.  You’re more distracted and more likely to be involved in an accident.  We call this how NOT to ride.

There are Bluetooth Helmets Available

And they are very cool.  Not only can you use speech-to-text to send texts with a Bluetooth helmet, but you can listen to music and take calls easily.  You can use Bluetooth helmets to safely get directions, too.  These features will keep your attention where it should be: on the road.

Certain Bluetooth helmets also offer rider to rider communication, which is pretty neat.  This may even eliminate the need for your phone altogether while riding.  Bluetooth helmets can get a bit pricey, ranging from the mid $100s to close to $1,000.  Getting one is a smart investment in your safety and we cannot recommend them highly enough.

Consider The Reasons Why You Ride in the First Place

This point may not be applicable if you use a motorcycle as your main source of transportation, but it’s still well worth considering.  Why do you ride?  It’s usually to find some peace in an otherwise hectic and overwhelming world.

Why would you ruin that by texting, looking up information, or using social media?  These are polar opposites.  Don’t mix reflection and a great way to unwind with being distracted on your phone.

What to Do If You See Someone Texting and Riding

Despite the dangers of texting and riding a motorcycle, you will probably see someone doing it at some point.  The question then becomes, “What to do if you see someone using their phone while on a bike?”

Tip number one is to get as far away from them as possible.  Slow down, change lanes, or take a different route.  Do whatever is needed to steer clear of this distracted driver.

Contact us today if you have been in a motor vehicle accident.  Marsalisi Law is Where Law Gets Personal.  We’ve helped many clients before and we can help you too.