Illinois Motorcycle Safety Tips: Preventing Accidents During Riding Season
Every spring, motorcycles return to Illinois roads with gleaming chrome, tuned engines, and the promise of freedom. However, that freedom can be dangerous. In recent years, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has shown that motorcyclists accounted for 15% of all traffic fatalities nationwide.
Staying safe on bikes requires more than skill; it requires strategy, visibility, and a clear understanding of the risks specific to motorcyclists.
Wear Gear That Works as Hard as You Do
A good ride starts with the right gear. Protective equipment doesn’t just reduce injury; it can prevent it.
To ensure your safety, you should:
- Wear a helmet that complies with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) standards
- Choose abrasion-resistant jackets and pants
- Wear gloves and over-the-ankle boots
- Use brightly colored clothing to increase visibility
Helmet use is especially critical. The NHTSA found that helmets are 37% effective in preventing fatal injuries for riders and 67% effective in preventing brain injuries.
Check Your Bike Before Every Ride
Mechanical issues on a motorcycle can escalate quickly. A short inspection before each ride can make all the difference.
Before riding your bike, you should:
- Check the tire pressure and the tread depth
- Test the brakes, lights, and signals
- Look for any fluid leaks or worn-out parts
- Make sure the mirrors are clean and adjusted correctly
Riders should familiarize themselves with the bike’s handling, especially if it’s a new purchase. If you’re unfamiliar with your ride, you can practice in a safe, open space before hitting the open road.
Ride Like No One Can See You
Motorcycles are harder to see, and drivers often fail to spot them in traffic, especially when they enter blind spots.
That’s why motorcyclists must stay vigilant and alert and always ride defensively by adhering to the following rules:
- Assume other drivers can’t see you
- Avoid getting in blind spots
- Always use your headlights
- Always try to signal early
The majority of fatal motorcycle crashes involve two vehicles. Many of these incidents occur in urban areas, such as Northbrook, where traffic congestion increases the risk of visibility-related accidents.
Stay Sober and Stay Alive
Riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol impairs balance, coordination, and reaction time. Without these skills, you cannot operate a motorcycle safely. Even one drink can be enough to dull judgment. In Illinois, riding while impaired by alcohol or drugs is not only illegal, it’s often deadly.
Keep Weather in Mind
Illinois weather can shift quickly. Rain, wind, and slick roads require a different approach when riding.
To be safe in inclement weather, you should:
- Reduce speed and increase following distance in wet or windy conditions
- Watch for oil slicks, leaves, or gravel in the road
- Delay or reroute if the forecast calls for storms or inclement weather
Even in perfect weather, daylight hours still matter. Most motorcycle fatalities in the U.S. happen between May and September and peak in the early evening, when visibility starts to decrease and traffic often increases.
Consider Motorcycle Safety Training
Whether you’re new to riding or decades into it, every motorcyclist can benefit from advanced safety training. Illinois offers free approved safety courses through the Illinois Department of Transportation’s Cycle Rider Safety Training Program (CRSTP). These courses also provide a refresher on traffic laws and can help lower insurance premiums.
Taking Safety Seriously Makes the Ride Better
The most seasoned riders know that taking precautions makes the ride more enjoyable, not less. Whether cruising solo through forest-lined back roads or weaving through suburban streets in Northbrook, one thing remains true: motorcycle safety doesn’t just save lives, it shapes better ones.
Contact Our Northbrook Motorcycle Accident Law Firm Today
If you were injured in an accident in Northbrook, IL, and need legal help, contact our Northbrook motorcycle accident lawyers at Kass & Moses Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free case review today.
Kass & Moses Personal Injury Lawyers
601 Skokie Blvd Suite 401
Northbrook, IL 60062
(847) 513-9582
