Taking your child for a motorcycle ride with you can be both exciting and frightening. You want your child to feel the thrill of speed, but, at the same time, you do not want anything bad to happen to your kid. Before taking your child for a ride, it is critical to understand Oklahoma’s laws regarding children as motorcycle passengers.
What is the Minimum Age for Motorcycle Passengers in Oklahoma?
Only a few states have minimum age requirements for motorcycle passengers. Oklahoma is not one of them.
Oklahoma law does not impose a minimum age requirement for motorcycle passengers. Nonetheless, it is still critical to take all safety precautions to ensure the safety of your child to avoid tragedies and accidents.
If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident – with or without a child passenger – do not hesitate to contact our Ponca City motor vehicle accident lawyers at BDIW Law.
Our Team Is Here To Assist You Every Step Of The Way.
SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY TODAYHow to Prepare Your Motorcycle for Riding with a Child Passenger
Although Oklahoma has no minimum age requirements for riding with child passengers, that does not mean that taking your child for a ride is not dangerous.
In fact, there are many steps you should take to ensure your child’s safety when taking him or her for a ride:
- Check your suspension and tire pressure before hitting the road.
- Review your motorcycle owner’s manual. Many manufacturers of bikes have special recommendations for riding a bike with a child or adult passenger.
- Make sure that the seat is big enough for you and your passenger to sit comfortably.
- Equip your motorcycle with footrests for the child passenger.
- Your children must wear a helmet at all times while riding. Under 47 OK Stat § 47-12-609, Oklahoma law requires anyone under the age of 18 to wear a government-approved helmet while on a motorcycle. Make sure that the helmet is certified by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).
- Besides a helmet, your child should wear additional protective gear for their safety, including gloves, knee guards, body armor, eye protection, and riding boots.
How to Prepare Your Child for Riding as a Passenger on Your Bike
You need to take all precautions when riding with an underage passenger. Use this checklist to prepare your child for riding on the back of your motorcycle:
- Explain the basics of motorcycle riding to your child.
- Teach your child balance when riding as a passenger.
- Teach your child to hold the straps.
- Tell your child that they will need to be extra careful and have a tighter grip when the motorcycle is taking turns.
- Tell your child to use the footrests at all times when riding.
Key Safety Precautions to Take as a Motorcycle Rider
When riding with an underage passenger on the back of your bike, be more cautious in all aspects of riding:
- Reduce the speed when turning or taking corners.
- Accelerate and decelerate more slowly than usual.
- Never exceed the speed limit.
- Follow all traffic rules.
- Allow more distance between your bike and other motor vehicles on the road.
- Keep your trips short until your child gets used to riding as a passenger.
If you or your child has been injured during a trip, consult with a Ponca City motorcycle accident attorney at BDIW Law to discuss your case and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call 580.765.9660 to schedule a consultation.
