Utah’s incredible scenery and beautiful vistas make it a destination for motorcyclists everywhere. However, whether you’re a novice or an experienced rider, there’s no denying the danger motorcyclists face every time they head out on the road. In this post, Our Law Tigers team explains Utah’s Ride to Live program, which the state enacted in 2021 to promote motorcycle safety.
Read on to learn more about the Ride to Live campaign, including basic information, essential details, and how it helps motorcyclists all over Utah stay safe on the roads.
What Is Utah’s Ride to Live Program?
In 2021, the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) and the Department of Public Safety collaborated to produce the Ride to Live program and increase awareness regarding motorcycle safety. The ultimate goal of Utah’s Ride to Live program is to reduce the number of motorcycle-related accidents, injuries, and deaths on Utah roads.
Utah’s Highway Safety Office also is using several strategies to improve motorcycle safety using these educational objectives that aim to:
- Increase helmet use
- Promote lifelong learning of riding skills
- Increase motorist’s awareness of motorcyclists
- Reduce alcohol- and drug-impaired motorcycle riding
- Increase proper motorcycle licensing
- Educate other drivers on how to share the road with motorcyclists
While Utah’s number of traffic-related fatalities has declined over the last few years, motorcycle-related deaths have increased steadily. According to the UDOT, motorcycle accidents are 11 times more likely than car crashes to cause death. In fact, in 2021, 12.5% of motor vehicle fatalities were from motorcycle-related crashes. With the Ride to Live program, officials provide educational rider skills courses for drivers and motorcyclists, including information about lane filtering, which is legal in Utah.
What Does the Ride to Live Course Cover?
For beginner bike riders, the Ride to Live program will provide a skills course with both classroom education and field instruction. It will cover important topics like stopping, shifting, straight-line riding, proper riding strategy, and risk reduction. For intermediate to experienced riders, the Ride to Live program will build upon their existing skills and emphasize trickier maneuvers, like braking, swerving, and cornering.
In addition to the field courses, Utah’s Ride to Live program also features an official website full of important information and resources for riders. For example, you can look at different riding routes based on difficulty, learn about riding skills, lane filtering, and more.
Motorcycle Safety Tips
Here are some quick safety tips that every motorcyclist should keep in mind when out riding:
- Always wear a helmet and full gear
- Keep your headlamp illuminated
- Never ride while drunk or high
- Keep a safe distance between cars and avoid tailgating
- Assume other motorists can’t see you
- Wear high-visibility clothing
- Always check the forecast before riding
- Inspect your motorcycle before each ride
- Practice proper lane-filtering technique
- Obey all traffic laws and drive the speed limit
- Always keep a first aid kit on your bike
Were You Injured in a Utah Motorcycle Accident? Call Us at Law Tigers Today
Utah’s Ride to Live program is an important tool that aims to reduce the frequency of motorcycle-related crashes, injuries, and fatalities by increasing awareness and promoting road safety. However, accidents happen. So, if you or a loved one have suffered an injury from a motorcycle accident, call an experienced personal injury lawyer to handle your case, like the team at Law Tigers. We’re a nationwide network of motorcycle accident lawyers who have successfully handled thousands of claims for riders just like you.
Call Law Tigers today at (888) 863-7216 and schedule your free consultation today with our team of personal injury attorneys.
