By Larry Weisberg on December 6th, 2017
Preventing Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle accidents are devastating. Since they often involve a motorcycle and a larger vehicle, the smaller motorcycle typically suffers most of the damage. Riders aren’t protected by air bags and other safety measures available and often tossed from their motorcycles, which can lead to life-threatening head injuries.
Fortunately, many motorcycle crashes are preventable. There are many things riders can do to prevent motorcycle accidents, such as:
- Ride only when you’re physically prepared to do so. Preventing a motorcycle accident starts with ensuring you can ride as safely as possible. This means never getting on your motorcycle when you’re fatigued, distracted, angry or under the influence. Even if you’re sleepy or distracted, you could make mistakes on the road that lead to a crash. If you’re angry, you could drive aggressively. Driving under the influence is also illegal for motorcyclists and can lead to a DUI or a crash.
- Act like any other vehicle on the road. A motorcycle is smaller and more flexible, but you still need to drive like a car. Take up an entire lane yourself instead of trying to share a lane with other vehicles. Do not attempt to go on the sidewalk or to drive over barriers — these behaviors are illegal and dangerous.
- Do everything possible to be very visible. Car drivers may not be looking for motorcyclists and can easily miss you. Always wear bright clothing with reflective materials that can be easily seen in all lighting conditions. Use your lights in poor visibility conditions, and make eye contact with the drivers around you to ensure they can see you.
- Use extra caution when riding in a group. If you’re part of a motorcycle club, don’t drive three or four abreast, taking up multiple lanes. Stay considerate and aware of other drivers around you.
- Watch for the weather. Weather can affect you more than it affects passenger car drivers. Strong winds can impact your ability to control your motorcycle, while other conditions can impact visibility since you have a helmet instead of a full windshield. It can also be easier to lose control on slippery roads on a motorcycle compared to a larger vehicle. Whenever possible, avoid taking your bike out in inclement weather, especially if you’re new to riding. If you get caught in bad weather, consider pulling over until it’s safer to get back on the road.
- Keep extra distance from other vehicles. You’re more at risk than cars and trucks because in the event of a crash you may go into a slide or may be thrown from your vehicle. The safest position for you is with plenty of buffer space between you and other vehicles — whether they’re in front of or behind you. This allows drivers to see you since you’re not in their blind spots. It also gives you more time and room to get out of the way and avoid an accident if something unexpected happens.
- Drive defensively and keep your eyes moving. Always think three moves ahead so you’re prepared for any unexpected scenario, such as another driver turning without using a signal. Driving defensively ensures you can respond appropriately to any hazards in time. Keep scanning the road in front of you, use your mirrors and turn your head to see what is behind you and to the sides. This way, potholes and other drivers are less likely to surprise you.
- Obey the speed limit. Speeding can be very dangerous on a motorcycle. You can lose control, especially on sharp turns. In addition, if you hit even a relatively small pothole or piece of debris on the road, you may find yourself losing control and being thrown.
- Get extra training. If you’ve never been on a motorcycle before or if it’s been a while, get some lessons. A professional instructor can teach you how to operate a vehicle safely — including how to survive a motorcycle crash if the worst happens. Start small and stick with quieter streets until you build your skills.
- Wear the right gear. An important part of motorcycle accident prevention is the gear you wear. Wearing protective clothing and goggles — or a helmet with eye protection — helps your visibility. Gloves can help you keep a better grip on your bike, which allows you to control your vehicle. In the event of an accident, your gear also acts as a layer of protection. In this situation, a properly fitted helmet is especially important and can save your life — you’ll want to wear one every time you ride.
Avoiding a motorcycle accident starts with you. Even if you follow all the motorcycle injury safety rules possible, other drivers may be reckless and cause you serious injuries. If this happens, contact your attorney or contact one that has a history of motorcycle or accident claims.
If you’re in Pennsylvania, contact us for a free consultation. Our legal team is known for representing injured riders and helping them seek recovery for their injuries across the state.