To many enthusiasts, a motorcycle celebrates and epitomizes freedom, danger, and adventure. When the “danger” aspect gets pushed too far, however, it leads to nearly 5,000 motorcycle fatalities a year. Whether you’re a hardcore biker or a recreational rider, here’s a few safety tips to ensure your safety on the road!
Tip #1: Wear Appropriate Gear
Your motorcycle isn’t going to provide you with any protection if you’re in an accident. If you crash going 65 mph, you’re going to need gear that shields your body from catastrophic injuries. Modern, high-tech motorcycle gear typically includes leather and/or textile suits, ankle-protecting boots, and durable helmets. We also recommend attaching reflective tape to your clothing so car and truck drivers can easily see you.
Protective clothing includes:
- Helmets
- Leather or textile jackets
- Leather or textile pants
- Riding boots with nonskid soles
- Gloves
- Motorcycle suits
Jeans will not protect you in a motorcycle accident.
Tip #2: Maintain Your Motorcycle
Before going out for ride, it’s incredibly important to check the various components of your motorcycle to ensure everything is in working order. Routine maintenance not only preserves the condition of your motorcycle in the long run, it also protects you from driving a malfunctioning vehicle. After all, it’s extremely dangerous for you and other drivers if your motorcycle breaks down in the middle of the freeway.
Before each trip, check the condition of your:
- Brakes
- Belts
- Drive chain
- Tire pressure
- Oil and fluids
Tip #3: Don’t Ride if You’re Tired
This is one tip that applies to anyone operating a motor vehicle. If you’re feeling tired, your first priority is to get off the road. Exhaustion impairs your focus, increasing your risk of an accident. If you fall asleep while driving, it could cause an accident that affects you and another driver or rider.
Tip #4: Practice Defensive Riding
A majority of the collisions and fatalities that occur each year are due to reckless motorcyclists not adopting defensive riding habits. It’s important for riders to focus on the road, anticipate potential risks, and respect the rights of other riders and drivers. Good defensive riding also means predicting traffic changes by checking your mirrors, and making sure you always have enough space between you and surrounding vehicles in case of an emergency. By being cautious and attentive to your surroundings, you can prevent collisions and avoid perilous road hazards.
Defensive riding also involves:
- Obeying local traffic laws
- Minding speed limits
- Staying out of blind spots
- Signaling in advance of lane changes
- Keeping your headlights on
- Wearing reflective tape
Schedule a Free Consultation
Contact The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC if you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident. Because motorcycles offer such little protection, it’s common for riders to suffer severe and even catastrophic injuries. Our personal injury attorneys offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis. You don’t pay us unless you’re awarded damages!
We offer 24/7 legal service. Contact The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC at (512) 271-5112 to schedule your free case evaluation.
