There are a number of things that bikers can do to help avoid a motorcycle accident. Some are common sense, like always wearing a helmet, while others may not be so obvious. Riders can improve their chances of avoiding accidents by following these tips:
1. Always wear a helmet. This is the single most important thing you can do to protect yourself in the event of an accident. There are several reasons why you should wear a helmet when you ride a motorcycle. First and foremost, a helmet can save your life in the event of an accident. According to the NHTSA, in 2016, there were 4,976 people killed in motorcycle accidents in the United States. Of those 4,976 people, 3,483 (or 70%) were not wearing helmets at the time of the accident. This means that if you are not wearing a helmet when you are involved in an accident, your chances of dying are significantly higher than if you were wearing a helmet.
In addition to saving your life, a helmet can also protect you from other serious injuries. For example, a good quality helmet can help protect your head and neck from being seriously injured in an accident. Ultimately, whether or not you choose to wear a helmet when you ride a motorcycle is up to you. However, given the many benefits a helmet can provide, it is definitely something worth considering.
2. Make sure your bike is in good working order and that you are familiar with how it operates.
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One of the best ways to know if a motorcycle is in good condition is to have it inspected by a mechanic. A mechanic will be able to tell you if there are any problems with the bike that need to be fixed and can also give you advice on how to properly maintain the motorcycle. You should also familiarize yourself with the bike’s operation before you ride it. This includes understanding how to use the brakes, throttle, and clutch.
3. Follow the rules of the road and obey all traffic laws.
One way to learn about the traffic laws in your area is to visit your state’s Department of Transportation (DOT) website. The DOT website will likely have information on the traffic laws for your state as well as information on how to become a licensed driver in your state. You can also visit your state’s Highway Patrol website to learn about the traffic laws specific to motorcyclists.
4. Ride defensively and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
There is no one answer to this question, as the best way to ride defensively will vary depending on your riding environment and experience level. However, there are a few things all motorcyclists can do to help reduce their risk of being in an accident.
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It is important to always be aware of your surroundings. This means keeping a lookout for other drivers, pedestrians, and obstacles in the road. You should also anticipate what the other drivers around you might do and plan accordingly. For example, if you see a car start to change lanes without signaling, you should slow down or move out of the way.
It is also important to ride defensively by using proper lane positioning and taking into account the speed of traffic around you. You should also use your brakes sparingly and only when necessary. And lastly, always wear a helmet and other protective gear when riding a motorcycle.
5. Use caution when riding in bad weather or during high-traffic times.
It is important to check the weather report before you ride and avoid riding in bad weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or high winds. You should also be aware of the hazardous driving conditions that can occur during bad weather, such as reduced visibility and slippery roads.
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If you must ride in bad weather, make sure you take into account the extra hazards that come with it. For example, slow down when you’re driving in slippery conditions and use caution when passing other vehicles. You should also make sure your bike is properly maintenance for bad weather riding and always wear a helmet and other protective gear.
6. Don’t drink and ride – alcohol impairs your judgment and reactions times, which can lead to disaster on the road. Alcohol is a factor in about a third of all motorcycle accidents. This means that alcohol is a major contributing factor in many motorcycle accidents and can increase the risk of being involved in an accident by up to 400%.
7. Wear bright clothing and use reflective gear to make yourself more visible to other drivers.
Bright clothing can help protect motorcyclists by making them more visible to other drivers. This is especially important when riding at night or in bad weather, as it can help reduce the risk of being involved in an accident. Motorcyclists can also use reflective gear to increase their visibility to other drivers.
8. Avoid riding in tight packs with other motorcyclists – this makes you more vulnerable to being hit from behind. When riding in close proximity to other bikes, it can be difficult for motorcyclists to see and avoid obstacles in the road. This can lead to collisions with other bikes, cars, or objects in the road.
9. Make sure your brakes are in good working order and always use them when necessary.
Some riders may prefer to do a full brake test, which involves braking from high speeds to see how the bike handles. Others may simply apply the brakes at different speeds to get a sense of how they respond. It is important to always test your bike’s brakes before taking it out on the open road.
10. Get professional training – taking a safety course can help you learn how to ride safely and handle emergency situations should they arise. The best place to find information on motorcycle safety courses is the Motorcycle Safety Foundation website. They have a search tool on their website that can help you find a course in your area.
Motorcycle safety is important for everyone who rides a motorcycle. By following the tips we’ve provided, you can help reduce your risk of being involved in an accident. Remember to always ride defensively, wear bright clothing and reflective gear, and avoid riding in close proximity to other motorcyclists. And most importantly, never drink and ride – alcohol impairs your judgment and reactions times, which can lead to disaster on the road.
If you have been in a motorcycle accident, we ask that you call us today for a free consultation at 1-800-MOTORCYCLE. We can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
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