Cruising down the highway with the wind in your face can be a lot of fun. However, it comes with a lot of responsibility and risk. You can minimize the risk of a motorcycle accident by following these tips.
Dress Appropriately
When you head out on your bike, you should think about how you dress. Wear long pants instead of shorts to help protect your legs. Wear long-sleeved shirts, gloves, and sturdy boots. Add more layers in cold weather. Don’t forget eye protection to keep road debris from hitting your eyes.
Choose bright colors or add reflective elements to your clothing to make it easier to be seen. Wear a full-face helmet and replace it on a regular basis.
Pay Attention
Distracted drivers are a real concern, so notice what’s going on around you. Be prepared for drivers to do the unexpected, such as changing lanes, stopping, or making sharp turns without using the signal light. Watch what drivers are doing in intersections, whether they come to a stop or just slow down and keep going.
Notice the terrain as you drive. Pay attention to potholes and other hazards to avoid hitting them unexpectedly. Avoid driving in bad weather when black ice can send you sliding off the road.
If you’re getting your first motorcycle, enroll in a safety course. This course will teach you how to drive defensively and avoid accidents.
Safety with a Passenger
Be careful when you’re riding double. It’s fun to bring someone along for the ride, but the risks increase with the extra person. Make sure the passenger wears a helmet and allow extra time for maneuvers, whether it’s stopping, turning, or passing. The additional weight on the bike will impact how quickly you can stop. Avoid sudden changes because they can cause the passenger to shift forward.
Create hand signals to communicate. It can be difficult to hear what the person says with the wind and road noise. Instead, set a system that both of you understand. Two taps on your shoulder might mean to stop while one might indicate the passenger wants you to slow down.
Teach your passenger how to help you. Let them know they should lean in when you turn. Have them keep their feet on the footrests even when you come to a stop. Let them know how tight to hold on and where to place their hands. Unless you know otherwise, assume it’s their first time riding a bike, so go over the basics.
Avoid dangerous accidents on the road when you’re riding your motorcycle by following these tips. And if you’ve been involved in an accident and injured while riding, contact Blake Jones Attorneys to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Contact the Blake Jones Law Firm for a free evaluation if you’ve suffered a personal injury.