For fellow bikers that are heading down to Daytona Bike Week, we want to give you a warning about traveling through Georgia.  A $70,000 federal grant was awarded to the state to set up motorcycle only checkpoints.  Bikers will be instructed by portable road signs to pull off the road where they will be inspected for a properly endorsed license, a DOT approved helmet, and the condition of their bikes including good tires, and working headlights & taillights.  The checkpoints have been reported to be operating from 8am to 5pm on I-75 at the vehicle inspection station in Monroe County and on I-95 in Chatham County.

While discussions about these types of checkpoints have gotten very heated, it's best to abide by Georgia's laws while passing through to bike week.  The estimated delay for bikers with proper equipment and endorsements should only be a few minutes.

Have you ever been riding your motorcycle and decided it was time for a nap?  Although the grassy patch on the side of the road may seem like a cozy place to doze off, it can cause other drivers to assume the worst.  A man in New Zealand recently laid his bike down next to him while napping on the side of the highway.  Another driver, assuming the man had been hit by a car and was unconscious, called for an ambulance.  When the local police realized the man was just sleeping they warned him to always keep his bike standing up when stopping for a rest.  Although there was no accident in this situation, The Motorcycle Lawyer recommends always stopping at a designated rest stop while riding your motorcycle.

25 years ago, a small study was done with results that showed the weight of helmets on motorcyclists can increase the risk of spinal cord injury by causing added torque on the rider's neck.  Well, that study has proved to have flawed results as discovered by research scientists at Johns Hopkins.  The actual statistics show that those wearing helmets are actually 22% less likely to have a cervical spine injury.  The study also proved a dramatic decrease in the likelihood of traumatic brain injury and death for helmet wearers.  The study is published online in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons.  The Motorcycle Lawyer represents injured bikers across the country and whether you choose to wear a helmet or not you can always call us in the event of an accident at 1-877-BIKERLAW

Recently, The Motorcycle Lawyer was informed that the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (DOT) has created a program to provide FREE safety training to motorcyclists.  Anyone with a motorcycle permit or license can enroll in the Motorcycle Safety Program at 70 different locations throughout the state.  It's a 15 hour basic skills course where motorcycles and gear are provided.  Once passed, the rider can enroll in the 6 hour Basic Rider 2 course (for experienced riders).  In the advanced course you must provide your own motorcycle and gear and the student is permitted to practice riding with a passenger.  To learn more about these courses or to enroll please visit http://www.pamsp.com/

Riding on the back of a motorcycle can be a fun experience.  However, along with the fun comes some responsibility and added safety measures are needed.  We recommend making sure that the driver has experience riding with a passenger.  The dynamics can be very different once another person is on your bike.  Also, all passengers should wear the correct safety gear, in an accident, you are just as likely to get injured as the driver (helmets and leathers aren't just worn for style).  Lastly, it's a good idea to ask the driver what you can do to be a good passenger.  Your body position can affect the rider's control of the bike and the correct placement of your hands and feet can be very important.  Before you accept a ride, make sure you take the necessary precautions, then, HAVE FUN! 

The Motorcycle Lawyer helps injured bikers all over the country so be sure to call us if you are injured in an accident.  1-877-BIKERLAW

We need feedback!

Jason Waechter, The Motorcycle Lawyer, has been chosen to fly to Washington D.C. and participate in an educational program, hosted by the NHTSA (National Highway Transportation Safety Administration), to teach judges across the country about "motorcycle safety issues." This will include dispelling prejudices against bikers, teaching judges that DON'T ride the basics of riding, and talking about what other drivers do that is dangerous to motorcyclists. Now here's where we need your help; what information would you want a judge to know if YOU were in front of them, whether it be for a traffic ticket, a personal injury lawsuit against another driver, or even a criminal charge. We want as much feedback as possible from bikers all across the country! The NHTSA has added motorcycle safety to its "most wanted" list for 2011 and this is allowing your voice to be heard. We want to know what is most important to YOU. Post comments here or feel free to email us at

reception@lawyerforlife.com

The Motorcycle Lawyer was just informed that Ducati (Italian motorcycle manufacturer) is issuing a recall of certain Multistrada 1200S bikes from their 2010 model year to "reprogram their engine control units to prevent possible stalling."  This recall is expected to begin by the end of this month and will affect around 1200 motorcycles.  Stalling can be especially dangerous in traffic and without fixing this recall, unexpected stalling could happen while downshifting or during maneuvers while the engine is idling.  If you believe that your bike could be affected by this recall than be sure to contact your local Ducati dealer or the manufacturer directly.

The Motorcycle Lawyer received news from one of our trusted attorneys that some models of Big Dog motorcycles are having a problem with the kickstand that has warranted a recall.  After doing some research through the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) we found out that on the affected motorcycles the kickstand spring has the potential to stretch, causing it to detach from the mounting bracket.  This can cause the kickstand to deploy on its own, even while riding, a force a crash.  The Motorcycle Lawyer works hard to PREVENT accidents before they happen so it's important that we spread the news about this recall and others like it.  Customers can get this problem fixed for free by Big Dog manufacturers; just call 316-267-9121.  Anyone concerned about a recall can also call the NHTSA hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or go to http://www.safecar.gov 

The Motorcycle Lawyer recently learned that as of January 1st new laws have come in to affect that will increase requirements for bikers in North Carolina to get their motorcycle endorsement.  Previously, potential riders in N.C. could obtain a permit after passing only a written test.  This permit expired after 18 months but could be renewed indefinitely.  The new law will require all riders under the age of 18 to pass a safety course and a road test before getting a permit.  The new permit will only be valid for 12 months and there is only the possibility of one 6 month extension.  These new laws are being enforced after officials realized that North Carolina was one of the few states with an increase in motorcycle fatalities while the rest of the country had a decrease.  N.C. officials are contributing lack of safety training and inexperienced riders to the 29% rise.

If these new requirments prove to make a difference I'm sure we can expect to see laws like this popping up throughout the country.

Ride Safe Fellow Bikers