There are no guarantees in life, but you can take precautions to lower your chances of being involved in an accident. If you’re planning on riding a motorcycle anytime soon, you should familiarize yourself with the precautions that you can take to reduce your risk of a crash. Here are five tips on how to avoid motorcycle accidents from a motorcycle accident lawyer Atlanta, GA at Council & Associates, LLC so that you can get where you need to go safely and confidently every time.
1) Always Wear A Helmet
No matter how experienced of a rider you are, always wear a helmet. In addition to a helmet, wear protective gear such as gloves, boots, and a heavy jacket. This will help protect you in case of an accident. When choosing a motorcycle make sure it is the right size for your body type as well.
2) Know the Road Rules
If you want to avoid getting into a motorcycle accident, it’s important to be familiar with the road rules. First and foremost, always wear a helmet. Not only is it the law in most states, but it will also protect your head in the event of an accident. Secondly, be aware of your surroundings and never ride distracted. Pay attention to other vehicles on the road and be prepared to react accordingly. Third, always use your turn signals when changing lanes or making turns.
3) Observe the Speed Limit
You should always ride at a speed that is safe for the conditions. This means observing the posted speed limit and/or following the flow of traffic. Additionally, you should be aware of how fast you are going and how long it will take you to stop if needed. Riding too fast increases your chances of losing control and being involved in an accident.
4) Don’t Drink and Ride
We all know that drinking and driving is dangerous. But what about drinking and riding? It’s just as dangerous, if not more so. Alcohol impairs your judgment, coordination, and reaction time — all skills you need to operate a motorcycle safely. Plus, it’s illegal in most states to ride with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher. So if you’re going to drink, don’t ride. You should also avoid speeding and keep an eye on the road ahead for any potential hazards like animals, debris, potholes, etc.
5) Never Drive Tired
One of the best ways to avoid a motorcycle accident is to never drive tired. It can be easy to push yourself to keep going when you’re on a long road trip, but it’s not worth the risk. Take breaks often, and if you start feeling drowsy, pull over and rest. You’ll get where you’re going eventually, and it’s better to arrive safe and sound.
Plus, driving tired can cause you to drive too close to other vehicles. Many accidents happen when motorcyclists have too close of a distance from the vehicle they’re passing or are following too closely. That’s why we recommend giving yourself plenty of space between you and the vehicle ahead — at least 3 seconds at 60 mph. And be aware that drivers may move suddenly into your lane without signaling; give them extra room when they do this by slowing down gradually while preparing to change lanes if necessary.
If you get into an accident, contact a motorcycle accident lawyer for help with your case today.