Riding a motorcycle can be extraordinarily dangerous. In fact, statistics show that approximately 5,000 people die in motorcycle accidents each year. Those who are fortunate enough to survive one of these wrecks can face tremendous damages, including extensive pain and suffering, emotional turmoil, and catastrophic financial losses. That’s why as a motorcyclist you need to do everything you can to ensure that you stay safe on the road. Here are just a few safety tips that we hope will help keep you protected:
- Get to know your motorcycle: Every motorcycle handles differently, and their responsiveness can vary greatly. This means that in order to retain control of your motorcycle while on the road, you have to have a command of its operation. Therefore, it’s a good idea to practice riding your motorcycle before you take it out on busy roadways. This way you’ll get a feel for how it handles and responds, which will prepare you to avoid dangerous situations when you face them on the street. Taking a safety course may prove beneficial in this regard.
- Check your motorcycle before riding: Before taking the road, be sure to check your motorcycle’s operating systems. This means ensuring that tires have the appropriate amount of tread and are properly inflated, and that your lights and steering are working appropriately. If you find something that’s not working the way it should, then you should avoid riding your motorcycle until you can fix the identified defect.
- Stay visible: One of the best defensive driving tactics that you can utilize is remaining visible to cars and trucks. After all, most motorcycle accidents are caused by motorists who claim that they didn’t see the motorcyclist who was struck. There are a number of ways that you can increase your visibility, including using your lights at all times of day, wearing reflective and bright colored clothing, and riding in areas of the road where you are easily observed by rearview and side mirrors. Also, be sure to use turn signals and hand signals when necessary.
- Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you: A lot of motorcycle accidents are caused from following too closely. Keep in mind that you’ll need a significant amount of distance to safely stop your motorcycle if the vehicle in front of you slams on the brakes. Therefore, you’ll want to make sure that you’re leaving enough space to avoid a rear-end collision.
- Be observant: There’s no room for distraction when it comes to riding a motorcycle. That’s why you need to remain attentive and on the lookout for hazards. Always operate your motorcycle as if the other motorists around you are negligent, meaning that you anticipate the unexpected. By being observant, you become a more defensive driver and can increase your chances of avoiding a devastating motorcycle accident.
- Wear the right gear: It’s critically important that you wear a helmet and other safety gear if you want to protect yourself as fully as possible in the event of a motorcycle accident. This safety gear is proven to reduce the severity of injuries, which means that you can take control of any potential harm caused to you by being proactive when it comes to deciding what to wear before hitting the road.
When you’re injured in an accident, be prepared for legal action
We know that even the most defensive motorcyclists can be taken by surprise and end up seriously injured in a motorcycle accident. That’s why even though we hope that the tips mentioned above will keep you safe, we realize that they are not failsafe. So, if you or a loved one ends up injured in one of these wrecks, then you may want to consider discussing the circumstances of your crash with an attorney who can help you fight for a just outcome.