New Jersey Motorcycle Safety Tips for Summer Riding — And What to Do if You Are Hit
Posted on: July 16, 2026
Summer brings increased traffic and tourists to coastal routes, making the months between Memorial Day and Labor Day particularly hazardous for riders. If you suffer a motorcycle accident in New Jersey’s summer traffic, you need to seek medical attention immediately, report the crash to the police, and gather evidence at the scene with photos. Once you are safe, reach out to a lawyer who can help you navigate your injury claim.
Why Summer Is the Most Dangerous Season for NJ Motorcyclists
When the weather warms up, more riders hit the road alongside an influx of vacationers, but this combination inevitably leads to a spike in traffic incidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are almost 27 times more likely to suffer a fatal injury in a crash than passenger car occupants. The combination of congested highways, unfamiliar out-of-state drivers, and summer festivities all contributes to the heightened risk on the road.
The Most Hazardous Roads for Motorcycle Riders in Monmouth and Ocean County
Several key corridors in the coastal regions are notorious for heavy congestion and frequent crashes:
- Route 9: Maintaining motorcycle safety on Route 9 in New Jersey is challenging due to the frequent stop-and-go traffic, commercial vehicles, and numerous intersecting driveways. State administrative records have documented severe collisions on this roadway, such as a fatal incident in Ocean County where a motorcyclist collided with a vehicle making a sudden left-hand turn.
- The Garden State Parkway: High speeds and sudden lane changes by drivers heading to the beaches create dangerous conditions for smaller, less visible vehicles.
- Coastal Highways: A shore road motorcycle accident in NJ often happens when tourists looking for parking or beach access pull out directly in front of approaching riders.
Common Summer Motorcycle Accident Causes: Tourist Traffic, Shore Roads, and Distracted Drivers
To stay safe while on the road, consider these summer motorcycle riding tips in NJ:
- Impaired Driving: Summer holidays and weekend events often involve alcohol. Data from the New Jersey Division of Highway Traffic Safety shows that driver impairment consistently accounts for over 23 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities in the state.
- Left-Turn Collisions: Drivers pulling out from side streets or turning left across traffic often fail to gauge the speed and distance of an approaching motorcycle.
- Distracted Driving: Tourists navigating unfamiliar routes using GPS or looking at their phones are less likely to notice riders in their blind spots.
What to Do Immediately After a Motorcycle Accident in New Jersey
Knowing what to do after a motorcycle accident in NewJersey can protect your physical health and your legal rights:
- Move to Safety: If possible, move your bike out of the active traffic lane to prevent secondary collisions.
- Call 911: Always request police and emergency medical services, even if you feel fine. Adrenaline can mask the pain of severe injuries.
- Document Everything: Take photos of the vehicles, your injuries, skid marks, and road conditions. Collect contact information from witnesses.
- Wear Protective Gear: While this is a preventative measure, wearing a DOT-compliant helmet significantly changes post-crash outcomes. Research indicates that helmets reduce motorcycle rider fatalities by 22 to 42 percent and brain injuries by 41 to 69 percent.
- Seek Medical Care: Go to an emergency room or urgent care facility immediately. A prompt medical evaluation creates an official record of your injuries.
Serious Motorcycle Injury Claim During the Summer? Our Knowledgeable New Jersey Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Ellis Law Are Here to Help
A motorcycle accident in Monmouth County or anywhere along the Jersey Shore can result in overwhelming medical bills, lost wages, and long-term physical rehabilitation. You need an advocate who understands the nuances of state traffic laws and insurance company tactics to fight for the compensation you deserve. Call our New Jersey motorcycle accident lawyers at Ellis Law at 732-308-0200 or submit our online form to schedule your free consultation. We have offices in New Jersey and New York and proudly serve clients throughout both states.
