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The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies has ranked South Carolina number 4 on their list of the best states to ride motorcycles, following Florida, Georgia, and Arizona. Others on the list include Texas, Hawaii, Nebraska, and Utah.
To determine their top 20 states, Progressive looked at specific data such as:
- Gasoline prices.
- Population density.
- Risk of motorcycle accident.
- Number of good riding days based on precipitation and temperature.
- Percentage of smooth roads.
According to Progressive’s product manager Dan Kamionkowski, “American riding is as diverse as American riders from the city rider to the country cruiser. Some states that you may consider obvious good places to ride were not included in the top 20 when all data were taken into account, but they’re still great options.” For example, sunny California has high gas prices and population density, so they didn’t make the top 20.
South Carolina ranked #5 in lowest likelihood of a motorcycle crash, as well as #5 for lowest gas prices. As motorcycle accident lawyers, we know that the roads and riders in South Carolina are some of the safest in the nation. Kamionkowski stated that Progressive, one of the top motorcycle insurers, published this list to help bikers maximize their time riding.
This list doesn’t surprise anyone who rides in South Carolina. Our state and national parks, historic areas, and sandy beaches are a rider’s paradise. We have scenic roads like nowhere else, such as the Savannah River Scenic Byway, which takes you to Clarks Hill Recreation Area, the Strom Thurmond Visitor Center, and Hamilton Branch and Baker Creek State Parks. All of these areas can be toured in one day as you follow the Savannah River through Sumter National Forest.
Another scenic ride takes you from the historic town of Beaufort through Hunting Island State Park to Fripp Island. You’ll see Beaufort’s historic district, incredible restaurants and shops, barrier islands, plenty of water, and spectacular pull-off areas to take amazing photographs. Beaufort is also the home of the Beaufort National Cemetery, designed by Abraham Lincoln, and Parris Island, a training post for the Marine Corps.
For more information, visit http://www.progressive.com/newsroom/2011/June/best-states-to-ride.aspx.
What is your favorite South Carolina scenic ride?
As Charleston motorcycle accident lawyers, we encourage our clients to resume riding as soon as they feel comfortable after an accident. It’s normal to be anxious or afraid of the bike after an injury, but the sooner you get back in the saddle, the sooner you put the motorcycle accident behind you. After helping many clients go back to riding, we’ve found a few tips that really help.
Put the accident or injury in perspective.
How long have you ridden without an injury or accident?
Thousands of miles? Tens of thousands of miles? More?
How many years have you ridden injury- and accident-free?
When you start thinking of your riding by the numbers, you’ll see that while the injury was a significant event at that point in time, in the grand scheme of things it’s not as significant as you thought it was.
Think about what you could have done differently, if anything.
Was the injury your fault, or someone else’s? If it was yours, think about what you could change to reduce your risk in the future. Usually one tweak will make a tremendous difference. If you were lane splitting, perhaps you’ll stop or do it only in specific circumstances. If you weren’t wearing a helmet, maybe now is the time to start.
And sometimes an accident is just that—an accident. Don’t let what happened in a single moment stop you from doing something you enjoy.
Consider a new level of protection and perhaps a safety class.
Helmets, leather, and other protective gear reduce your chances of injury, but are a choice only you can make. For some, this gear is uncomfortable, while others feel it hampers their movement or ability to ride. A safety class will increase your confidence and remind you that while biking can be dangerous, you do have some control over what happens to you.
Take it slow.
If you’re feeling nervous about riding, start easy. Ride on the back of someone else’s bike, or cruise around your neighborhood before taking your bike on the highway. Ride alone for a while before taking on passengers, or ride during periods of less traffic. You’ll build your confidence back in no time—just take your time and ease back into it.
Remember: the longer you stay off your bike, the harder it will be to get back on. Your bike is the same machine you happily rode before the injury, and it has many miles left on it.
Do what you love and enjoy your life—get back in the saddle and ride!
What are your thoughts and advice for getting back on a bike after a motorcycle injury?
Try Cycle Trader
Whether you want to sell your bike fast, buy a bike for your spouse, or research the latest Harleys, Cycle Trader is the place to be. This site has something for everyone, from the beginning biker to the bike collector. At any one time, over 150,000 new and used motorcycles are for sale by dealers and individuals, and you can search by manufacturers, types, and locations. If your preference is a custom bike, you’ll find links to bike builders.
In addition to information on buying and selling motorcycles, including free ads, Cycle Trader offers a variety of links and tips in all aspects of motorcycle ownership, including insurance, parts and accessories, and loan calculators. Keep up on the latest bike articles and reviews of specific bikes, and learn about do-it-yourself repair and motorcycle safety. A page with motorcycle lawyer resources includes a checklist to use and steps to follow if you’re in a motorcycle accident.
Cycle Trader also includes a blog with helpful articles with topics such as tips on buying a used motorcycle, best beginner bikes, and how to survive with no car and only a motorcycle. For those who enjoy motorcycle events, the site has a listing of events by month, and if you’re sponsoring an event, you’re welcome to submit it.
The extensive link directory lists parts and accessories, bike clubs, racing information, restoration help, and apparel for sale. One unique feature is the motorcycle price checker, which shows you a range of prices for manufacturers and years within a specified distance from a zip code. Cycle Trader offers a monthly e-newsletter, with previous issues available on the site. You can also follow Cycle Trader on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
With Cycle Trader, you’re not limited to buying and selling motorcycles—if you’re in the market for a new ATV, snowmobile, PWC, or trailer, Cycle Trader can help you find what you’re looking for with links to partner sites such as ATV TraderOnline and Snowmobile TraderOnline.
What is your favorite site feature?
Lane splitting is riding your bike between lanes, including maneuvering between lanes of slow or stopped traffic. It’s also called filtering, stripe riding, and white lining.
Laws vary, but generally, lane splitting is not allowed in most areas of the U.S., with the exception of California. Some states do not specifically ban lane splitting, but have other laws in place that effectively condone or forbid it. South Carolina specifically prohibits lane splitting. Motorcycles are entitled to a full lane just as cars are, and motorcycles can travel two abreast in a single lane. Check with law enforcement in your state.
Some of the dangers of lane splitting include . . .
- Car doors opening suddenly, causing loss of control.
- Cars changing lanes without warning or signals.
- Hands, dogs, or objects coming out of windows.
- Drivers of larger vehicles not seeing you.
- Drivers not seeing you at intersections and turning.
If you split lanes, most of these dangers can be avoided by being aware of cars around you, adjusting your speed to conditions, staying out of drivers’ blind spots, wearing bright clothing, and making noise when you’re moving. When you stop, stay in front or behind a car, and always make sure drivers can easily see you. At intersections, always assume a car will turn and stay away from the side. Remember, cars cannot see you as easily as you can see them.
While drivers and law enforcement consider lane splitting dangerous (we do too), proponents of lane splitting say that it reduces rear-end collisions for bikes and reduces traffic congestion. Opponents say it is dangerous and doesn’t offer any real congestion relief because of the low numbers of motorcycles. Unfortunately, in case of accident, riders are often deemed at fault if the crash occurs while lane splitting, even in areas where it’s legal.
Do you split lanes, and why or why not?
Many bikers do not understand their motorcycle insurance, and in case of accident, insurance companies take advantage of that lack of knowledge and do not pay victims what they are entitled to receive. Not understanding insurance also causes bikers to carry more or less insurance than they should. Before you drive your bike again, take a moment to review your motorcycle coverage.
In South Carolina, all motorcyclists are required to carry liability insurance to cover bodily injury and property damage. The minimum amounts are $25,000 of bodily injury coverage per person, $50,000 of bodily injury coverage per accident, and $25,000 of property damage coverage per accident. This is referred to as 25/50/25. Remember, these are state-mandated minimums.
To determine whether 25/50/25 is sufficient coverage, think of how often and where you ride. Do you usually carry a passenger? Now think of a possible accident during a typical ride, and the bodily injury and property damage that could occur. Knowing that motorcycle riders are often hurt in accidents, do you think that coverage is adequate? Would the minimum property damage coverage replace your bike as well as repair a car you might hit?
Another option to pay for medical expenses is medical payments coverage. This pays for reasonable healthcare and funeral expenses for you and your family, even if you are at fault, for a period of one to three years.
Uninsured and underinsured motorist insurance ensures compensation for accidents where the at-fault driver is underinsured or uninsured, including hit-and-run accidents. In South Carolina, uninsured / underinsured coverage is portable, meaning it may apply to not only car accidents (whether you are the driver or passenger), but also motorcycle and pedestrian accidents. The law requires uninsured motorist coverage, while underinsured motorist coverage is optional.
In addition to liability insurance, you may wish to purchase collision and / or comprehensive insurance to cover damage to your bike. Collision coverage protects your bike in the event of a crash with an object or other vehicle, while comprehensive coverage covers damage caused by other mishaps such as flood and fire. In both cases, you have a deductible, which is the amount you pay before insurance kicks in. You choose the deductible, which affects the price of your policy. When you add both coverages to your policy, you are “fully insured.”
The first step to ensure you have the proper amount of motorcycle insurance is to look at your riding habits and determine how much will adequately protect you. In order to receive the compensation you and your family are entitled to, it’s important to know what your policy covers.
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On August 18, 2008 at approximately 6 PM, a road rage incident took place involving a green motorcycle -V- white pickup truck. The white pickup passed on the right shoulder, clipping the motorcycle and causing it to go down on right shoulder of roadway and severely injure the biker. This incident occurred approximately 1.5 – 2 miles past Carnes Crossroads towards Cane Bay High School. If you have knowledge of this accident, please contact Uricchio Law Firm at 843- 795-9300. Biker is disabled Marine.
I love watching motorcycle stunts (note that I didn’t say I love doing motorcycle stunts). I leave that to the professionals who actually perform stunts for a living. Below is a great video of a motorbike stunt rider. To prevent personal injury and a motorcycle accident, do not attempt to perform any of the actions performed in this video.
Enrolling in motorcycle school is one of the best ways to become a better and safer motorcycle rider. Not only does motorcycle school help you to become proficient in new-found skills, but it also helps you to feel more confident in any type of environment—whether you’re traveling through a big city or obstacle track.
Many motorcycle schools offer a range of classes for different skill levels, helping riders get the most beneficial instruction for their money.
A great motorcycle school will teach beginners how to observe the road and surroundings around them, body positioning techniques, coordination strategies, traction skills, safety tips for various settings, and steering, handling, and shifting techniques.
What many beginner riders might not realize is that riding a motorcycle is a whole different game than operating a motor vehicle. You have to deal with drivers who may not always be courteous or aware of your presence and there are different laws and rights while operating a motorcycle. Not to mention, there are several safety factors riders must take into account while operating a motorcycle, including head and body protection, weather conditions, traction, and time of day.
Honing your motorcycle skills is one of the best ways to decrease your chances of being involved in a motorcycle accident and preventing personal injury.
Have you ever attended motorcycle school? If so, what did you think of it?
Some of my favorite rides happen right here in the Lowcountry. I love the landscapes and the relaxing atmosphere of the countryside and coastline. But there are times when I have to venture into urban areas, which has an effect on my mindset and driving. My mind is no longer clear and calm. Instead, I’m highly attentive to my surroundings and always on high alert with the hustle and bustle of big city life.
When you’re driving into the city on your motorcycle for the first time, it’s important to make a proper transition in your mindset and know primary safety tips to prevent you from being involved in a motorcycle accident.
Below are a few tips for riding in the city:
Keep your distance: One of the best ways to avoid a motorcycle accident is by keeping a safe distance from other drivers. I usually stay a good 20 – 30 feet behind any vehicle to ensure that I have enough time to stop without causing the person behind me to ram into me.
Look out ahead: I always keep my eye on the vehicles in front of me (not just the vehicle immediately in front of me). Often times, the vehicle in front of you might not see that the traffic ahead has stopped and will slam on his or her breaks. This, in turn, requires you to slam on your breaks. To prevent this from occurring, always keep an eye on the first two vehicles in front of you. If you see the first vehicle breaking, you can start to tap your break to anticipate a stop before you have to screech to a halt.
Stand out: Many motorcycle accidents occur when drivers either don’t see a motorcyclist or do not understand a motorcyclist’s right of way. To prevent this, always wear bright colors, don’t drive in a vehicle’s blind-spot (if possible), and be extremely cautious when a vehicle is in close range. If you have the right of way, don’t just assume the driver knows this. Keep an eye out, go slow, and be ready to break or swerve.
And my final piece of advice is to be aware of all your surroundings, looking out for any potential hazards or signs that another driver might not be paying attention.
If you or someone you know has been involved in a South Carolina motorcycle accident, contact the Uricchio Law Firm to speak with one of our personal injury attorneys.
Traveling far distances via motorcycle is one of the best ways to take in the beauty of the country and unwind. There’s nothing like taking a scenic motorcycle trip up the east coast to explore some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes.
Whenever I’m planning to take a long trip via my motorcycle, I always take a few steps to prepare. See below for some tips to prepare you for your next motorcycle adventure:
1. View Google Maps: It’s always a good idea to have some clue of where you’re headed! Even if you want to fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants, using Google Maps to find your way to an end destination is extremely helpful—especially if you get lost and have NO clue where you are, Google Maps can direct you toward your desired destination. And although it’s easy to completely rely on your iPad or smart phone, it’s a smart idea to print a map from Google Maps before you leave—just in case you don’t have Internet service.
Google Maps
2. Check Weather.com: Dressing appropriately for weather conditions is extremely important while traveling on a motorcycle for long distances. If it’s pouring rain and you didn’t prepare ahead of time, you might find yourself hanging out on the side of the road, waiting for the rain to subside—or even worse, you might end up in a motorcycle accident. If there is a chance of rain, be sure to wear and pack bright-colored clothing so that other drivers can easily spot you on the road. Also, have a helmet that contains a shield to help you keep an eye on the road.
Weather Channel
3. Research gas station locations: Nothing is worse than getting stuck on the side of the road without gas. Be prepared by researching nearby gas stations, just in case you find your motorcycle only has a quarter of a tank left—some stretches of road don’t have gas stations for miles. I suggest using GasBuddy.com. Not only does this website show you where nearby gas stations are, but it also shows you the cheapest stations to purchase gas.
GasBuddy.com
How do you prepare for long motorcycle trips?
