Riding motorcycles is a hobby enjoyed by millions of people in the United States. While operating a motorcycle is a common activity, it is a little more risky than operating a car. The laws of the road are the same for each, but motorcycle riders are at a higher risk of an accident.
Even the most experienced riders need to abide by strict motorcycle safety rules in order to protect themselves on the road. Living life on the edge is part of the appeal of motorcycles, but are they really worth losing your life over? The open road may feel freeing, but an extensive injury after a crash can be debilitating.
The Nick Schnyder Law Firm has seen our fair share of motorcycle accident victims, and while we pride ourselves on helping them receive compensation for their injuries, we’d prefer if less people were harmed on the road. Here are some motorcycle safety tips to help you avoid an accident.
Wear The Right Gear
We know that people think riding a motorcycle looks cool, but you should prioritize motorcycle safety over the way you look when you ride. Jeans and a t-shirt are not going to protect you if you fall off your bike and slide across the road. The first motorcycle safety tip is to always wear the proper motorcycle gear.
Wearing the proper boots, leather clothing, and gloves can protect you from serious injuries. Always put on this gear, even if it’s summer and it is 90 degrees outside. Attaching some kind of reflective tape to your outfit also makes it easier for other drivers to see you at night.
As far as helmets are concerned, you should always wear one with a face shield or protective eyewear. Wearing a helmet is the best way to protect yourself from serious head injuries.
Follow Traffic Laws
This may sound basic and like common sense, but an important motorcycle safety tips is to follow traffic laws when riding your motorcycle. We’ve all seen a person on a motorcycle weave in and out of traffic, or ride down the center line between two cars. While it may seem like a convenient way to get where you’re going, it’s extremely dangerous for you and others around you.
Use signals, drive at the speed limit posted, and always keep a safe distance from other drivers on the road. Make sure you pay attention to the signals of other drivers, and never tailgate a car.
Ride Awake and Sober
Even when you’re not on a motorcycle, driving while exhausted or while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is incredibly dangerous. That danger is amplified when you’re on a bike. Never drink and ride.
Fatigue also impacts your ability to safely operate your motorcycle. Before you hit the open road, make sure you’re well rested and awake for the ride. If you’re going for a long ride, make sure you take breaks, hydrate, and even nap, if you need to.
Drive Defensively
You should never assume that another driver will see you or move the way you expect. Always anticipate that the people around you will make the wrong move. The most common phrase a driver says after hitting a motorcycle is “I didn’t even see them there”.
Drivers are used to watching out for other cars, not people on motorcycles. It’s easy to ride in a car’s blind spot without realizing it. You should just drive as if no one can see you. That way you anticipate bad moves by other drivers and keep plenty of space between yourself and other vehicles.
Check The Weather Before a Ride
The weather can impact the safety of your ride and influence a motorcycle accident. Before you head out for a ride, check the weather. If there is going to be rain, ice, or snow, consider taking a different mode of transportation to your destination.
Rain and snow can move quickly. If you can anticipate them, you can keep yourself and other drivers safe. Choose a different day for a ride if there is inclement weather.
Inspect Your Bike
Another important motorcycle safety tip is to always check your bike before you go for a ride. Making sure it’s ready to hit the road is just as important as the way you drive it.
Before riding your motorcycle, check:
- The tires
- Under the bike
- Headlight and taillight signals
- Hydraulic and coolant fluids
- Clutch and throttle
- Mirrors
- Brakes
- Horn
This helps ensure your bike is in good condition and you can ride safely.
Take a Motorcycle Safety Course
While all of these motorcycle safety tips above are helpful and are beneficial when it comes to avoiding an accident, the best step you can take to protect yourself and other riders is to take a motorcycle safety course. It will teach you some of the tips we’ve already covered, and other safety tips for when you ride.
New riders definitely need a motorcycle safety course, but even if you’ve been riding for years, there is always room for improvement. Taking riding courses from time to time helps hone your skills and keep you safe on the road.
If You’re in a Motorcycle Accident, We Can Help
Despite following all of the tips above, you may still end up in a motorcycle accident. It’s hard to avoid entirely. Even if you’re the safest rider on the road, other people can make mistake resulting in your injuries.
After a motorcycle accident, you may:
- Have an extensive amount of medical bills that start to accumulate
- Need compensation to help repair their bike after it has been totaled
- Be unable to work and earn income as a result of your injuries
The Nick Schnyder Law Firm specializes in motorcycle accidents and help obtain compensation for those who have been harmed by negligent drivers. Knowing your legal rights as a motorcycle enthusiast is just as important as knowing your bike inside out. We will help you understand your situation and obtain the money you need after an accident.
To schedule your free consultation, call us at (404) 999-1111 or click the button below.
