Riding a motorcycle is an exhilarating and enjoyable way to take advantage of a sunny day. Many people prefer to use a motorcycle as their primary transportation during warmer months of the year to take advantage of fuel economy, as well as to have a fun commute to and from work. While motorcycles are an exciting transportation method, there are many inherent risks that come with this activity. Riders must be aware of these dangers before they take the streets. We have compiled some of the main things a motorcycle rider should think of when they are preparing to ride, such as safety equipment, proper driving techniques, and more.
While each of these can help to improve safety, the unfortunate reality is this: no matter how safe and defensive of a motorcycle driver you may be, you will always be at risk of an accident with a reckless, inexperienced, or negligent driver you are sharing the road with. If you are in a motorcycle accident, one of the most important things you can do beyond addressing your medical needs is to partner with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
Contact 1-800-Injured Today To Connect With a Motorcycle Accident Attorney
1-800-Injured is an attorney and medical referral service. Instead of going through the effort of finding a motorcycle accident lawyer on your own at the same time you are trying to recover from your injuries, we will connect you with a personal injury lawyer in your area who is ready to take your case. Once an attorney is representing your motorcycle accident, you can focus on your recovery and personal needs without taking on the additional emotional and psychological burden of trying to fight for a fair settlement.
Take a look at these safety tips below to reduce your risk of an accident on the road, and save our number to contact us as soon as possible in the unfortunate event you are in a crash.
Wear Protective Gear
One of the biggest safety differences between a motorcycle and a passenger vehicle is the lack of structural protection provided by the vehicle. When you are involved in an accident in a car, you are strapped in with a seatbelt and surrounded by airbags, not to mention the fact that modern car frames are designed to crumple to avoid and dissipate much of the direct impact. On a motorcycle, you may make direct contact with the other vehicle before being thrown to the ground, resulting in two or more direct impacts.
Helmets are your main line of defense against a traumatic brain injury, and riding gear like hard-shell gloves, boots, pants, and a motorcycle jacket can protect you from road rash. Chest protectors can give you spine support, and some motorcycle jackets have neck braces integrated into the design to reduce the risk of a neck injury.
Anticipate Other Drivers’ Actions
The core tenet of defensive driving is to continuously scan the road ahead of you and anticipate other drivers’ behaviors. If you are paying close attention to everything going on around you, you may be able to recognize a dangerous maneuver like a lane change without directional signals before it happens. If you recognize someone on the road engaging in dangerous behavior like texting and driving, or behaviors like swerving or erratic driving that may suggest intoxication, get off the road and away from this major hazard.
Always Drive Sober
According to a study by the National Highway Transit Safety Administration, approximately 43 percent of all fatal motorcycle crashes involve alcohol. Alcohol reduces reaction times in motorcycle riders and their passenger vehicle-operating counterparts and can cause a rider to engage in risky behavior like speeding or racing that they would not do if they were sober. Staying sober while operating a vehicle is one of the best decisions that you can make in order to keep yourself and your passengers safe from harm.
Don’t Speed
Driving above the speed limit means that you need to have a faster reaction time to avoid obstacles on the road, and reduces your ability to maintain total control over your motorcycle if you need to take corrective actions. Speeding can also intimidate other drivers on the road, which can also lead to them making sudden or erratic moves that can lead to a crash. By driving the speed limit, you are improving your own chances of safety and respecting the others on the road.
Maintain Your Vehicle
One of the most avoidable accidents is one caused by faulty equipment due to improper maintenance. Before each ride, check your brake lights and turn signals, test your brakes before getting out on the main road, and keep the proper air pressure in your tires. By keeping a running list of maintenance checks before each ride, you can do your part to keep yourself and your passengers safe from an accident due to your own error, and increase safety for everyone else you share the roads with.