Motorcyclists Should Always Consider These Safety Tips
It’s true that riding a motorcycle can be exciting, fun, and economical. It’s also true that riding a motorcycle is much more dangerous than driving a car. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that motorcycle riders are 27 times more likely to die in traffic accidents than other motorists. Their reports also conclude that most of these occurrences are the motorcyclist’s failure to comply with certain safety measures. The following is a list of the appropriate safety tips a motorcycle rider should consider:
Wear Protective Clothing and Gear
The most important gear one should wear is a helmet that has been approved by the Department of Transportation. Wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of sustaining a serious head injury in an accident. Other gear that can be beneficial in reducing injuries is heavy leather clothing, thick gloves, and skid-proof leather boots.
Defensive Driving
A motorcyclist should always be cautious when riding in the presence of other vehicles. Motorists do not always see motorcycles; therefore, the risk of having an accident is much higher for the motorcyclist. Don’t always assume the other driver can see you, so drive defensively, keep an eye on your side mirrors as well as keeping a firm grip on both handlebars to insure your own safety.
Do Not Drive When You Are Fatigued
As a motorcycle rider, you need to be completely focused. Along with being aware of your surroundings, you will be constantly changing gears, braking and maintaining your balance. When fatigued, your reaction time is slowed and you may not be as able to maneuver through traffic. The rule of thumb is that you take breaks and rest every 75 to 125 miles.
Sharpen Your Riding Skills
Skilled motorcycle riders are able to make quick decisions when faced with surprises and hazards on the road. The ability to make good decisions can change the outcome of an accident. There are several ways to improve your riding skills such as taking a motorcycle safety class. These courses can help the rider hone skills such as:
- How to position your body to maintain balance
- Practicing safe maneuvering when challenged with emergency situations
- Following and obeying road safety signs
- Safe steering and braking
- Riding on different road surfaces and terrain
Make Sure Your Motorcycle Engine, Brakes, Lights and Electrical System Are Reliable
- While riding on a highway or in traffic, a faulty engine can lead to an accident involving other cars and could be fatal for the motorcyclist. You need to make sure that your engine is dependable.
- Make sure that your brakes are in good working order. If your brakes are not working properly and you encounter a steep hill, failing brakes could make it impossible to stop safely.
- Always ensure that your tires are in good shape and are properly inflated. Replace old, worn tires because they can hinder the maneuvering of your motorcycle which could cause loss of control.
- The clutch, horn, mirrors, headlights and taillights should always be in good working condition as well.
Obey Road Signs and Traffic Signals
Always stay alert and comply with traffic rules such as stop signs, traffic signals, and speed limit signs. At high speeds, it is more difficult for a motorcycle to stop in case of an emergency which could cause potentially fatal accidents.
If you were injured in a collision due to a defective part or another driver, call us today to speak with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer such as the motorbike accident lawyer locals trust.
