Every motorcyclist on the road needs to prioritize safety whenever they ride. Whether you are a new motorcyclist or someone who has been using motorcycles for their primary form of transportation for years, it never hurts to refresh your memory on some of the safety basics that every rider should know.
Five motorcycle safety tips that every ride should follow are:
- Wear the right helmet: Motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to suffer a fatal injury compared to people in passenger vehicles. Many of those fatal injuries involve wounds to the head. To keep yourself as safe as can be while riding, you need to always wear a motorcycle helmet that has been approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and that fits correctly. Even if you live in a state that doesn’t require helmet use when you ride, put one on. Furthermore, by wearing a helmet, you help keep your own liability down, which makes it simpler for you to seek compensation in a motorcycle accident claim later.
- Increase your visibility: Drivers often have a difficult time spotting a motorcycle on the road because of their smaller frames, especially when considering blind spots and mirrors. You can do other drivers a favor by increasing your visibility however you can. Of course, by doing them a favor, you are doing yourself a favor by reducing your chances of being hit by them. Increase your visibility by keeping your headlight on at all times, even on a bright sunny day. You can also wear bright protective clothing, like a brightly colored jacket and helmet.
- Only ride sober: An inordinate amount of motorcycle accidents are single-vehicle crashes caused by a drunk rider. Never risk your safety and that of others by riding while intoxicated. As you know, motorcycles require a higher degree of skill – and balance – than driving a car. Your ability to safely ride will be greatly diminished by just a single drink, so don’t make the mistake of thinking that “buzzed” riding is any different from drunk riding. Don’t forget that impairment from a drug or another substance can be just as dangerous as riding drunk, too.
- Maintain your ride: Whenever you head out on the road, inspect your motorcycle for any potential defects. You never know when there could be a sudden issue with the brakes, tires, or other important parts of your ride. A brief pre-ride inspection can catch those issues before they cause you to crash. Also, you should plan on bringing your motorcycle to the shop on a routine basis for maintenance. A well-maintained ride is a safe ride, after all.
- Plan your course: Knowing where you’re headed and what to expect along the way is a crucial step in motorcycle safety. Check the traffic and weather conditions before you go for a ride, especially if you are going somewhere new or unfamiliar. You can plan a safer route if you know the key areas of traffic to avoid. Or if harsh weather is expected like snow or sleet, then you can postpone your trip if possible. Motorcycles fare worse in bad weather, so you shouldn’t risk riding through a rough storm if it could mean crashing.
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident in Texas, then call Wood Law Firm, LLP. Our attorneys can help you pursue compensation if your crash was caused by someone else’s negligence. Contact us now to learn more.