If you are a parent looking for a mode of transport for your teen, it is only natural that the question of motorbikes has crossed your mind. Motorcycles are dangerous in the hands of someone who can’t handle them, even if your teen tells you otherwise. Being able to get their license at 16 means you will face a debate with them. Are motorcycles safe for teenagers? Or is it all too much of a risk?
Are There Benefits?
Before we dive into the dangers too much, let’s consider the benefits of allowing your teenager to own and ride a motorcycle. The one at the top of the list is that you will no longer be a taxi service, and they have an independent way of getting around to see their friends and get to school. While it will never be as safe as a car, it can be a budget-friendly alternative if you go for the smaller, pre-loved models, which is also an advantage. Other perks include:
- Cheaper gas
- Easier maintenance
- Easier to learn
What Are the Dangers?
However, despite all these great benefits, there are a key number of concerns that all parents will be bound to think about as well. Sometimes, the risks just outweigh the advantages, but it is up to you to decide how you feel when presented with all of the information. The fact is, around 8% of road-related deaths or injuries are teens on motorbikes. So, what is it that makes it so perilous?
Inexperience
A high powered bike under the control of someone who really hasn’t been on the road too long is as close to a disaster waiting to happen as you can get. These bikes, even when they’re not a high-powered engine, are difficult to manage and take a certain strength level plus knowledge of what things do and how to maneuver safely.
All of this takes time, and it won’t be too long before your teen is driving about by themselves. They may forget simple road rules or etiquette or be tempted to go around a corner just a little bit too fast, not notice the wet road ahead and connect to why that would be dangerous. There are loads of reasons why inexperience is not a safe thing, and it is just that much worse for teen motorcyclists.
Over-Confidence
The fact is, teenagers are over-confident. This is never more true than when they are surrounded by their peers and being encouraged to do questionable things, and if you throw a vehicle into the mix regardless of whether it is a motorcycle or a hot air balloon, there is a lot of scope for things to go wrong. Throwing over-confidence or arrogance into the mix means there is too much space for miscalculation, and this will lead to an accident nine times out of ten.
Teen Drinking
Whether or not your teenager would ever drive a motorcycle under the influence is a case-by-case consideration. All it takes is one drink at this age for judgment to be impaired and things to go really wrong. If teenagers are drinking alcohol and there is a motorbike around, it is a high-risk situation.
Not Following the Clothing Rules
Teenagers are also the most likely category of bike riders to not pay too much attention to the rules around what you should and should not wear while operating a vehicle. For motorcycle riders, especially at nighttime, there needs to be a certain amount of visible clothing that makes sure they are completely on display to other road users and pedestrians. This is not just important during a night-time drive but at all times of the day.
Checking Phones and Other Distractions
Distracted driving kills hundreds of people every single year. It doesn’t matter if it is a motorcyclist or a truck driver; when someone makes the choice to pick up their phone to read a message or take their eyes off the road for a split second, disaster can strike, and the consequences are often devastating. Teens may be more tempted than other age groups to look at their phones or answer a call during a drive, and this needs to be a big part of their education before they switch the engine on and go out on their own.
Farnsworth & Vance Are the Experts
If you have been in a collision with a teen motorcyclist, or your child needs representation following a serious incident, we are here to provide it. Farnsworth & Vance Law is an experienced team with a lot to offer and will be able to help you through this difficult time. Motorcycle accident investigations can be complex as there is a lot of ground to cover, which is why an attorney is your best route forward.
So, what will you need?
Evidence
Whether you don’t think your child is guilty, or you are seeking justice in another way, you will always need evidence. This could be from a black box, CCTV, witnesses, or even medical statements after the crash took place. All evidence is useful in some way, and our team will discuss each fact carefully.
Support
Going through something traumatic as a teenager can have long-lasting impacts. Either side of the equation matters, and your teen will either be facing time without a license or recovering from an injury if they were the victim of the crash. Whichever the situation may be, you will all need support to get through it. Our team can cover the legal side of things in a nurturing way, but further therapeutic intervention is highly recommended and will show that your teenager is taking the incident seriously too.
Farnsworth & Vance are the leading experts in the area of all things teen driving related. We can help with any case; all you have to do is get in touch and let us know what you need. Remember, education is the best way forward, so always give your teen the best chance possible if you decide to let them drive a motorbike.
You can find our office at 2525 Gambell Street #410, Anchorage, AK 99503.
Or call now for a free consultation on (907) 290-2576.