6 Safety Tips For Motorcyclists
Taking safety precautions on your motorcycle could prevent serious injury or save your life. You cannot control how other people drive on the road but through defensive and alert driving you can often avoid an accident. If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident you may be entitled to financial compensation for your damages.
Contact 911 Biker Law today to schedule a consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney! Check out our motorcycle safety tips to help you avoid a future crash!
Wear A Helmet & Protective Gear
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 25,000 lives were saved by wearing motorcycle helmets. In Florida, if you are over the age of 21, you are not required to wear a helmet, but wearing a properly fitting helmet can save your life by protecting your head and brain from the impact of collisions. In addition, wearing protective gear can limit the amount of exposed skin to help prevent road burn. For optimal protection wear all of the following motorcycle gear when riding.
- Full Face Helmet
- Eye Protection
- Jacket
- Gloves
- Long Pants and Long Sleeves
- Closed Toed Shoes
Watch For Road Hazards
Obstructions on the road can easily throw you off balance and cause you to fall or crash, possibly injuring you and possible passengers, and potentially damaging your bike. Stay alert and keep an eye out for potholes, uneven roads, puddles, and debris on the road. Also, be mindful of road signs and changing traffic patterns so you can stay alert of your surroundings.
Be Visible
A large part of staying safe on the road is being mindful of your visibility. Motorcyclists shouldn't assume they are visible to other drivers as most motorcycle accidents caused by cars occur because the driver did not see the rider. To help stay visible on the road, be careful not to ride in a vehicle's blind spot, wear bright or reflective clothing, and keep your headlights on at all times, even during the day.
Stay At A Safe Distance
Part of driving responsibility and defensively is keeping a safe distance from other cars, motorcycles, and curbs as well as helping drivers see the motorcyclist. We recommend staying at least four seconds away from the vehicle in front of you, which allows you to stop in an emergency situation.
Take Safety Course
Even if you are an experienced rider, you can benefit from taking a motorcycle safety course. Through these courses, you can improve your reaction time and learn evasive maneuvers. The course will review what to do in certain situations and how to avoid danger, such as collision avoidance maneuvers, advanced turning, control tips, and braking techniques. Make sure to stay in your lanes and do not weave between cars, as reckless driving puts you and others at risk.
Always Check The Weather
Bad weather increases the likelihood of a crash through slick roads and decreased visibility. Always remember to check the weather before a ride to avoid rainstorms, heavy wind, and extreme temperatures. Be aware that crashing is not the only hazard, as high heat and freezing cold can make your ride unpleasant and make you ill.