Motorcycle accidents are frighteningly common. In 2019, a total of 5014 motorcyclists died in the US. You’re far less protected on a motorcycle than you are in a car. All that’s between you and a deadly accident is your protective clothing. This means that knowing the fundamentals of motorcycle safety is absolutely essential for every rider on the road. Following key safety advice could be the difference between a pleasant ride and a motorcycle accident and its resulting injuries.
In this guide, we’re going to take a look at motorcycle accident prevention. How can you stay safe while riding your motorbike? Are you ready to learn more and start being a safer rider? Then read on!
1. Wear a Helmet
Motorcycle helmets can make a massive difference to the likelihood of you surviving a crash.
Some of the most fatal injuries that you can suffer are to your head and brain. When you put a helmet on, you’re giving this part of your body the extra protection that it needs.
Not only do helmets protect your head, but they also offer some protection from the elements. This means that your vision is less likely to be obscured by heavy rain or the high winds that you’ll encounter while riding your motorcycle.
2. Ride Bikes That You’re Comfortable With
When you’re a new rider, it’s easy to think that you’re ready to make the jump to a 750CC (or larger) bike right away. However, that’s not too wise.
Riding a powerful bike is a very different experience from riding a 50cc or a 125cc. Powerful bikes are much harder to control, especially in difficult weather.
If you’re still new to the wonderful world of motorbikes, we’d recommend that you stick to less powerful bikes until you’re a more experienced rider.
You also need to make sure that you are physically comfortable on the bike, as well as mentally. Make sure that your feet can reach the ground and that your fingers can reach all of the necessary controls.
Don’t ever buy a bike unseen. Take it for a spin and make sure that it’s right for you before you buy it.
3. Keep Your Eyes on the Road
A motorcycle is, fundamentally, a lot less stable than a car. This means that the smallest debris on the road has the potential to knock you off your bike and cause an accident.
This means that when you’re riding, your eyes need to be on the road constantly. A distracted rider is a dangerous rider.
Look for any branches, potholes, loose tarmac, or other detritus that could result in you losing control of your bike. Despite being less stable than a car, you’re also very maneuverable, which means that you should be able to avoid debris so long as you see it in time.
4. Make Yourself Obvious
It can sometimes be difficult for car and truck drivers to see motorcycles, particularly in poor weather. You need to make sure that you are an obvious presence on the road.
In very bad weather conditions, you may want to consider wearing a hi-vis vest over the top of your leathers. You can also put reflective decals on your bike and helmet to improve visibility.
Whatever the weather, you need to stick to lanes that give other drivers the best view of you. You should also avoid weaving between lanes or driving between other vehicles, even if they’re stationary.
5. Defensive Motorcycle Riding
Defensive riding doesn’t mean riding away from a threat. It means learning how to ride with a view towards safety, rather than speed.
For instance, when you approach an intersection, be very cautious and watch for oncoming traffic from all directions.
In general, defensive riding means not taking any risks. Stick to maneuvers that behoove your skill level. If you want to try out other maneuvers, practice them in a safe and controlled environment first.
6. Look for Eye Contact
When you’re at an intersection with other traffic about to come in the opposite direction, try to make eye contact with the drivers on the other side. You don’t necessarily need to make direct eye contact, but even a glance means that they’re more likely to have seen you.
If you can’t make eye contact with them, assume that they may well not have seen you, and act accordingly.
7. Consider Taking Motorcycle Safety Lessons
This applies to both novice and experienced motorcycle riders. There are some safety maneuvers that are very hard to pull off correctly the first time that you do them.
So, if you want to learn them, you’ll need to take a motorcycle safety course. These are run by various organizations up and down the country and can teach you essential motorcycle roadcraft that could save your life.
8. Use All of Your Senses
It can be easy to drift off or daydream while driving, relying on your vision alone. This is a terrible idea. Almost all of your senses (perhaps not taste) can help you stay aware while on the road.
You can hear oncoming traffic or someone driving up behind you. You can smell it if there’s an oil leak on your bike. You can feel vibrations through your handlebars that tell you something isn’t right.
Use all of your senses while you ride, not just sight, and you’ll be a far safer rider.
Motorcycle Safety Is of the Utmost Importance
Knowing the fundamentals of motorcycle safety is of the utmost importance if you want to avoid being in an accident. However, sometimes, despite your best efforts, accidents happen.
If you’ve been in an accident that wasn’t your fault, and would like to claim compensation, we can help you. Why not contact us today to discuss your case?
CONTACT A TAMPA Motorcycle ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
In short, after a motorcycle accident, you may not know your rights. Above all, don’t struggle through the process alone. Actually, our personal injury team is here to help you with any legal needs you might have regarding your accident.
Lastly, let RHINO Lawyers answer your questions and review the facts of your case with a Free Consultation. So, get started by completing the “Free Instant Case Evaluation” or by calling us any time, day or night, at 844.329.3491.
