Staying Safe with Motorcycle Passengers

Riding a motorcycle is an invigorating and exciting experience, so it is only natural for a motorcyclist to want to share that experience with others. Whether those passengers travel on the back of a two-person seat, an attached second seat, or in a sidecar, they have the opportunity to feel the freedom that traveling by motorcycle brings. However, they are also exposed to the same risks that motorcyclists accept as part of the decision to ride. Accidents are dangerous, and can easily prove deadly if appropriate behaviors and precautions are not taken.

Potential effects of a motorcycle crash for the passengers are similar to those faced by the operators, and include:

• Death
• Brain or head injury
• Spinal cord injuries
• Bone fractures
• Severe lacerations and contusions
• Road rash

Exercise Caution

At the present time, there are no restrictions in place for the transportation of children as passengers on motorcycles or in sidecars, but in early 2009 bills were submitted to the Iowa state legislature proposing mandatory helmets and child restraint systems for young passengers. Currently, the laws pertaining to passengers indicate the following seating requirements:

• Passengers may ride on seats affixed to a bike if there are footrests available to them
• Passengers may travel in sidecars, in which case footrests are not necessary
• Passengers must in no way interfere with the motorcyclist’s view or ability to operate the bike

When riding with a passenger or even an empty sidecar, the weight load of your motorcycle will shift and the bike will handle differently than usual. Keep this in mind and exercise additional caution when you are transporting passengers. Sidecars also move your bike’s center of balance and are easily overlooked by other motorists due to their small size.

Contact Us

If you and your passengers have been the victims of a driver’s negligence on the roadway, we can help you recover the damages to which you are entitled. Contact Iowa motorcycle accident lawyer Pete Leehey today at 877-209-9452.