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.

SECTION 56-5-3640. Motorcycle entitled to full use of lane; riding two or more abreast; overtaking and passing; operation in other instances.

(a) All motorcycles are entitled to full use of a lane and no motor vehicle shall be driven in such a manner as to deprive any motorcycle of the full use of a lane. This shall not apply to motorcycles operated two abreast in a single lane.

**Many drivers fail to understand that a motorcycle is entitled to the same full use of a lane as if it were a car or truck.

(b) The operator of a motorcycle shall not overtake and pass in the same lane occupied by the vehicle being overtaken.

**The same concept as if you were driving a car.

(c) No person shall operate a motorcycle between lanes of traffic, or between adjacent lines or rows of vehicles.

**Also known as “lane splitting,” this is not legal in South Carolina.

(Image below was taken from Motorcycle Cruiser)

Lane Splitting image taken from Motorcycle Cruiser

(d) Motorcycles shall not be operated more than two abreast in a single lane.

**As long as it’s only two bikes riding side by side, you are ok:

(Image below was taken from Diamondback Bobbers)

Image taken from Diamondback Bobbers

(e) Items (b) and (c) shall not apply to police officers in the performance of their official duties.

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See below for some images we took at the event:

While an overwhelming majority of us fill up our cars with E10 and have no problems, this alternative fuel can have a very different effect on motorcycles. For starters, it can seriously damage and corrode steel, aluminum and rubber parts in the fuel system.

Known to loosen sludge in fuel tanks, ethanol can clog fuel lines and filters and block carburetor jets and fuel injectors. Also, for those of us who aren’t able to get out on our bikes as much as we would like to, ethanol is known to attract water. If your bike is left with ethanol blend gasoline in the tank for a long period of time, I have been told that adding a stabilizer is essential. Otherwise condensation, particularly an issue in high humidity climates, can cause the ethanol and water to separate, leading to serious engine trouble.

A variety of fuel conversion kits are available to convert your motorcycle to run on E85, but I am hesitant to make the switch myself. The American Motorcycle Association is not yet convinced, either, and has questioned the lack of research proving that an increase in ethanol will not harm motorcycle engines and parts. For the time being, I plan to be ethanol free!

As a personal injury, criminal and workers compensation lawyer practicing across the South Carolina area, I find myself frequently fueling up. Below is a map I started, which identifies gas stations in the Charleston, Berkeley and Dorchester county areas that sell ethanol-free gas. Some of these stations may be limited on the type of ethanol-free fuel they offer.

There’s also a great post from the Post & Courier about Ethenol. Check it out here.

I plan to keep updating this map and welcome anyone to add to this list by posting a comment. To visit the map in your web browser, click here.

In 1986, I partnered with my close friend, Grady Query, to form the law firm of Uricchio and Query (yes, we were responsible for that commercial in the eighties featuring the overly cheerful secretary answering the phone). It was during this time that I began to focus on personal injury and workers compensation law in addition to continuing my criminal defense practice.

In 1993, I formed Uricchio Law Firm in order to more deeply pursue my personal interest in criminal defense as well as serious injury cases involving auto, trucking, and motorcycle accidents. Over the years, I have also handled numerous cases involving medical malpractice, nursing home negligence and abuse, animal attacks, premises liability, products liability, sexual abuse, toxic mold and wrongful death. I guess you could safely say that I’ve seen it all—there is little that can shock or surprise me anymore.

On the weekends, I can be found either on my boat, riding my motorcycle or shooting at some type of target. My love for riding goes back to 1967 when I bought my first bike—a 1967 650CC Triumph TT racer built by none other than my friend Frank R. Now, I enjoy riding my highly modified 2006 Fatboy and I am a member of HOG, ABATE, and Tri-County Bikers Helping Bikers. I also like to ride with certain clubs not affiliated with the American Motorcycle Association including a now defunct club called the Tribulators.

I feel fortunate that I am able to combine my love for motorcycles into practicing law. It has been a pleasant surprise to find that my experience with motorcycles and my passion for riding have proven to be invaluable resources to my clients, as well. I have met few insurance adjusters who actually have any level of experience with riding motorcycles, yet many who are quick to dismiss the unique hardships faced by riders.