Riding a motorcycle can be a fun way to reduce stress and enjoy the outdoors. Some people find it to be a cost-effective way to get to work, while others just like to go on joyrides. But if you watch the news at all, you’ve probably heard plenty of stories of tragic and fatal motorcycle accidents that put you on edge. You certainly want to avoid getting hurt, so how can you keep yourself safe while you’re out on your bike?
Motorcycle safety tips
Although your safety is always going to be in the hands of other drivers to a certain extent, there are things that you can do to try to keep yourself safe. To start, consider doing each of the following:
- Take a safety course: One of these courses can help you not only identify common motorcycle safety issues but it can also develop your skills for avoiding and responding to dangerous situations.
- Make sure that you’re visible to other motorists: Many motorcycle accidents are caused because drivers of cars and trucks simply don’t see the motorcyclist. To avoid getting involved in one of those wrecks, make sure that you’re staying out of blind spots, that you’re wearing reflective clothing and that you’re driving with your headlights on.
- Maintain a safe distance: Rear-end collisions are often caused because one motorist is following the other too closely. You have to give yourself enough room to be able to come to a safe stop in the event that the driver in front of you slams on the brakes. A good rule of thumb is to pick out a stationary object and then allow three or four seconds between when the vehicle in front of you passes it and when you pass it.
- Consider weather conditions: Road conditions can be significantly impacted by weather conditions. If the road is wet, for example, you’ll want to drive more slowly, give yourself more time to stop, and ensure that you’re easing into turns. Hopefully, that will prevent you from sliding into another vehicle.
- Be aware of your surroundings: This seems obvious, but when you’re on a motorcycle, you have to be hypervigilant about your surroundings. A road hazard that may not be problematic for a car or truck can be treacherous for a motorcycle.
- Watch your speed: It’s all too easy to quickly accelerate to feel the power of your motorcycle but accelerating too quickly or driving too fast can increase the chances that you’ll be involved in a serious motorcycle accident. So, make sure you’re easing onto the throttle and abiding by any posted speed limits.
- Conduct an inspection before you ride: Prior to hitting the road, it’s wise to check your bike to make sure there aren’t any mechanical issues that may put you at risk while you’re riding. This might mean checking tires, brakes, headlights, taillights, and your handlebars. If you see any issues, you should get them fixed before taking your bike out for a spin.
What if you’re involved in a motorcycle accident?
We hope that you find these safety tips useful. But even the most careful motorcyclists can end up being injured in an accident. If that ends up happening to you, you should take comfort knowing that you don’t have to navigate the aftermath on your own. Experienced legal teams like the one at our firm know how to navigate these cases and zealously advocate for those who have been harmed by someone else’s negligence.
So, if you need a legal representative on your side as you navigate your claim, please continue to research your options so that you can choose the one that is best for you.
