According to a recent report issued by the Washington State Patrol, a motorcyclist was traveling behind a vehicle close to mile marker 297 on Interstate 90. The motorcyclist was in the passing lane at the time that the other vehicle slowed down as the result of traffic congestion. The motorcycle collided with the vehicle, and the crash ejected individuals in both vehicles. The motorcycle's driver was later pronounced dead at the location of the crash, while a young passenger who was riding on the motorcycle also received injuries and was taken to a nearby medical facility. Both motorcycle occupants were wearing Department of Transportation-compliant helmets at the time of the crash. The car's driver was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. 

Operating or riding as a passenger on a motorcycle can be an enjoyable activity for people of all ages. Data shows that over the last few decades, the number of people who own motorcycles has increased substantially. Female motorcyclists are a common sight on today's roads. Because many families own motorcycles, kids on motorcycles have also become common. Due to the substantial increase in the number of adults riding on motorcycles with child passengers, it is more critical than ever to address the issue of safety.

Riding with child passengers is often entirely lawful in Washington provided that riders follow the established rules. To have the most fun while riding though, some motorcyclists speed. This means that a child being thrown off a motorcycle is a serious risk. To reduce the risk of your child being seriously injured or killed in a motorcycle crash, follow some helpful safety precautions.

Wear Appropriate Helmets

The best and first safety step that you should take if your children ride a motorcycle as a passenger is to make sure that they have appropriate helmets. Appropriate in this context means a helmet that fits correctly. Too small a helmet will not fit the child's head, while too large a helmet will likely come off in case of a crash. Additionally, your child's helmet should provide full cover as well as feature a chin-bar. 

Selecting the Right Clothing

Children should make sure to wear the appropriate clothing while going on a motorcycle ride. Similar to wearing a helmet, clothes help to protect children who ride as passengers on motorcycles in case of a crash. Take into consideration the weather when planning what clothing to wear. Besides looking fashionable, a kid's motorcycle jacket is comfortable and can help to protect them in case of a crash. Children can also benefit from wearing long, thick pants as well as gloves.

Practice the Correct Riding Pattern

If you have a child passenger, several ways of riding motorcycles are illegal, including riding with the child in front of you. Instead, you should always drive your motorcycle with the child on the back. To achieve the highest degree of safety, you should consider utilizing a passenger belt to keep the child secure.

Contact a Compassionate Motorcycle Accident Attorney

A large number of people hold a bias against motorcyclists. One of the most common types of bias is that motorcyclists are always responsible when crashes occur. In reality, a large number of motorcycle crashes occur due to the fault of the drivers of larger vehicles. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a motorcycle crash and another party is responsible, you should not hesitate to speak with a knowledgeable motorcycle crash lawyer. Contact West Law Office today to schedule a free case evaluation.