Riding on a motorcycle is more dangerous than driving a car. Motorcycles don’t have the safety features that standard vehicles do, so motorcyclists are at risk of serious injuries during collisions. If you still want to ride your motorcycle, you should still take several safety precautions to minimize your chances of getting injured. Here are some tips for reducing the risk of an accident.
Always Wear a Helmet
A helmet might not be the most fashionable attire, but it’s necessary to wear one on a motorcycle. Without a helmet, you’re at risk of suffering a traumatic brain injuries and other life-threatening injuries in the event of an accident. Putting on a helmet before getting on a motorcycle could potentially save your life. If there are passengers on your motorcycle, have them wear a helmet too.
Put on Protective Clothing
When you’re riding a motorcycle, don’t just wear your everyday clothes. You need to wear thicker clothes that will protect your body from injuries. For example, you could wear leather pants, a jacket, gloves, boots knee pads. Your clothes should also be brightly colored, so other motorists can easily see you.
Don’t Share Lanes With Vehicles
Some motorcyclists make the mistake of sharing lanes with other motorists. This is very dangerous. Motorists don’t expect to be sharing lanes with other vehicles and might not notice a motorcycle in their lane. If they drift to one side or want to change lanes, they could collide with the motorcyclist
Get Professional Training
Operating a motorcycle is different than operating a standard vehicle. That’s why it’s worth the money to pay for professional training. In a motorcycle course, they will teach you how to properly operate a motorcycle and avoid accidents.
Follow the Speed Limit
Speeding is especially dangerous for motorcyclists. No matter how much in a hurry you are, never go about the speed limit. If you do, you could lose control of your motorcycle and get into a major accident.
Keep Your Motorcycle in Good Shape
Like standard vehicles, motorcycles require regular maintenance. Periodically check your headlamps, tires turn signals and other gear. If your motorcycle has been acting funny, you should have a professional look at it right away.
Avoid Riding in Hazardous Weather Conditions
Driving in a vehicle during a heavy rainstorm or snowstorm is dangerous enough. If you’re on a motorcycle, the situation becomes even more risky. To avoid an unnecessary accident, keep your motorcycle off the road during hazardous weather conditions.
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident caused by another driver, you may be entitled to compensation. It’s important to consult with a personal injury lawyer, like a motorcycle accident lawyer in Ames, IA, about your options as soon as possible.
Thank you to JOHNSTON | MARTINEAU PLLP for their insight into motorcycle accidents.