Top Tips to Keep Motorcyclists Safe

Riding a motorcycle can be thrilling, and being out on the open road is an experience unlike anything else. However, riding a motorcycle takes different skills than operating a motor vehicle, and its size and lack of protection increases the chances of you being in an accident, which has serious consequences. As a motorcyclist, there are various things you can do to stay safe.

Take a Skills Course

Compared to the occupants of other vehicles, motorcyclists are four times more likely to suffer injuries and 28 times more likely to receive fatal injuries when involved in accidents. There are numerous reasons for crashes, and one is that it takes more balance, judgment, and coordination to ride a motorcycle.

Responsible riders understand the importance of taking a skills course, which is often required to receive the proper motorcycle license. Even after taking a course, riders should practice these skills in various situations, such as in inclement weather and around hazards, to get more experience on the road.

Wear the Right Gear

Wearing the right gear is one of the best ways to reduce the severity of injuries in the event you do get into an accident, as there are no external structures, such as doors or a windshield, to protect you. A helmet is essential, as it protects your skull and prevents brain injuries. However, not all helmets are the same, so make sure yours has passed a standard safety test.

The right clothes will not necessarily protect you from breaking bones, but they protect your skin and help other drivers see you better. Some good choices include:

•   Leather or heavy denim for the body
•   Boots or shoes that cover your ankles
•   Gloves
•   Goggles 

Make Yourself Visible

One of the reasons motorcycles are in more crashes is that it can be difficult for other drivers to see them. Along with wearing protective clothing, choose bright colors to make you more visible. Reflective tabs help with night visibility, and you should keep the bike’s headlights on, even during the day.

Always be on the Defensive

Because your motorcycle is harder to see, it is important to drive defensively. This means:

•   Never driving in a driver’s blind spot
•   Looking behind you before changing lanes
•   Yielding to other vehicles
•   Approaching intersections cautiously
•   Constantly scanning for hazards

Follow the Rules of the Road

It can be tempting to break some of the traffic rules, such as go a bit faster or pass along the shoulder, but to stay safe, you need to follow the same rules as other drivers. This means going the speed limit, stopping at stop signs and red lights, obeying lane markings, using your turn signals, and riding with the flow of traffic.

As with driving a car, you should not ride your motorcycle when you are fatigued, and you should refrain from distracting behaviors. You should also understand that DUI laws are the same for motorcyclists as they are for other drivers.

Let Us Help

Even with the greatest precautions, accidents can happen. If you experience injuries from a motorcycle or automobile accident, contact us at Mills & Mahoney, P.A. for a FREE consultation.  

Having support from the right legal team will allow you to focus fully on your recovery.  Call us today at (919) 683-2135!