Look Twice and Save a Life

Motorcyclists enjoy the feeling of the open air blowing across their faces, but it also leaves them completely unprotected if they are struck by a car or truck. Motorcycle accidents can be the most devastating and deadly because of how vulnerable the rider is.

According to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, motorcyclist deaths occurred 27 more times frequently than fatalities in other vehicles and are six times more likely to be injured. Unsuspecting motorists often overlook motorcycles or fail to share the road by being mindful and respectful.

Injuries

Broken bones, head injuries, concussions, traumatic brain injuries, brain bleeds, spinal cord injuries, road rash, scarring, and disfigurement are all common injuries suffered in motorcycle collisions. 

Motorcycles and Ohio Law

License Requirements

To legally operate a motorcycle in Ohio, you must have either a motorcycle license or a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license. The requirements for obtaining a license or endorsement depend on whether you are over or under 18 years old. Licensing requirements can be found on the State of Ohio BMV page. 

Helmets 

Anyone under age 18 or who has a license or endorsement with a novice designation must wear a DOT-approved helmet.   

Eye Protection

All riders must have eye protection in the form of a helmet with a shield, glasses/goggles, or windscreen. 

Earphones

Earphones or earplugs cannot be used. Helmet speakers are allowed. 

Lane Sharing

It is legal for motorcyclists to ride two abreast in a single lane of traffic. 

Lane Splitting

Lane splitting occurs when a motorcycle or bike is driven between two lanes of traffic moving in the same direction. There is no law directly addressing lane splitting in Ohio. However, that does not mean that if you split lanes that you are not in violation of other traffic laws. Motorcyclists and bicyclists have to ride as close as possible to the ride side of the road and should only pass another vehicle when it is safe to do so. Lane splitting is dangerous and should be avoided.

Mopeds

Mopeds of yesteryear are making a comeback. There are mopeds clubs nationwide and even one right in here in Dayton, Ohio. Mopeds come with all the same open-air dangers as motorcycles, but they also provide less braking, handling, and acceleration capabilities. Mopeds are not capable of keeping up with traffic, so motorists may aggressively attempt to pass them or suddenly cut off their right of way, causing a collision. Attorney Joe Mondock has been riding mopeds his whole life and understands the dangers and challenges moped riders face. If you’ve been injured in a moped crash, contact Joe Mondock today for a free case evaluation. 

How does Ohio define a moped or motorized bicycle?

1. A moped has two tandem wheels or one wheel in the front and two wheels in the rear; and
2. May be pedaled; and
3. Equipped with a helper motor that has no more than 50 cubic centimeters of piston displacement; and
4. Produces no more than one brake horsepower; and
5. Cannot propel a rider more than 20 mph on a level surface.

If a moped does not meet each of the above criteria, then it is legally considered a motorcycle, and the rider must have a valid motorcycle license or endorsement. 

Mopeds and Ohio Law

• If under age 18, a DOT-approved helmet is required with the chin strap properly fastened.
• Operators of mopeds may not carry passengers.
• Mopeds must be equipped with at least one rearview mirror, rear license plate, chain guard, horn, and inflated tires no greater than 1.75 inches.
• Whenever practical, mopeds must be operated within three feet of the right edge of the roadway.
• Mopeds cannot be operated on highways. 

Moped riders must obey all traffic laws, including: 

• Traffic signs and signals
• Traveling in the same direction as other traffic
• Signaling turns
• Yielding the right of way

Free Motorcycle Case Evaluation

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact the Dayton motorcycle accident attorneys at Thorson Switala Mondock & Snead LLP.  We've been looking out for bikers for nearly 30 years and we will make home and hospital visits.