8 Tips To Help Keep Motorcycle Riders Safe
Without a doubt, motorcycles are fun. Apart from that, they are also fuel-efficient. Unfortunately, the reality is that motorcycle riding can be dangerous. According to the NHTSA, approximately 5,000 motorcyclists die every year in motorcycle accidents. Indeed, a lot of motorcycle accidents happen because of negligent drivers. However, motorcyclists are also to blame for some motorcycle accidents. In order to reduce the number of motorcycle accidents, both drivers and motorcycle riders need to do their part.
The following are eight tips for motorcyclists to help them stay safe on the road;
Take a Safety Course
Even if you passed your rider’s test and acquired a license, it is advisable that you consider taking a safety course. If you take a safety course, you can learn, among many other things, the appropriate actions to take in different unpredictable situations.
Keep Up With Routine Maintenance
As a motorcycle rider, you need to be diligent about routine maintenance. You should ensure that you perform regular maintenance on your motorcycle and check for, among other things, the following;
- Loose bearing and bolts
- Damage to tires, cables, and lines
- Low oil
- Other fluid levels
- Damage on brakes
Inspect Your Motorcycle Before Every Ride
Before you head out for a ride on your motorcycle, ensure you check that it is safe. For example, check your turn signals, taillights, headlights, and brakes to ensure everything is functioning well. You should avoid heading out with your motorcycle if something is not in good condition.
Remain Visible
While on the road with other vehicles, you need to maintain visibility. Quite a number of motorcycle accidents happen because other drivers do not see the motorcycle.
There are many ways to ensure you remain visible when riding your motorcycle. They include;
- Wearing bright clothing
- Avoiding other vehicles’ blind spots
- Driving with your headlights on
- Always using turn and hand signals
Obey Traffic Rules
For example, you should always use your turn signals when riding your motorcycle. When you use turn signals, you give other drivers an opportunity to anticipate your next move and adjust accordingly. You should also always maintain the set speed limit.
Inspect the Weather Before Heading Out
It would be best to avoid riding your motorcycle when it is raining or snowing. Riding a motorcycle in these elements is dangerous because motorcycles have less traction. It is also harder for other drivers to notice you in such weather conditions.
Stay in Your Comfort Zone
Firstly, only ride a motorcycle that fits you well. Generally, you want to ensure that you don’t have any issues getting on and off a motorcycle before heading to the road. Secondly, before choosing a route, ensure that it is not more than you can handle. When you ride your motorcycle on an unfamiliar route, you’ll find that you’re more focused on, for example, not missing turns than you are on safety.
Watch the Road
You need to pay attention to the road when riding your motorcycle. For example, be cautious when making turns or going into curves.
Contact a Coral Springs Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
If, after doing your best to avoid a motorcycle accident, you get into an accident because of another driver’s fault, our Coral Springs motorcycle accident lawyers at Lyons & Snyder can help you. We can help you prove liability and recover the compensation you deserve.
Source:
nhtsa.gov/road-safety/motorcycles
