While riding a motorcycle, you must be aware of your surroundings and stay alert. This means keeping your eyes and ears open, giving yourself enough space, and avoiding drinking and driving. In addition, you must always wear a helmet. All of these things will help you to be a safer driver and to avoid motorcycle accidents.
However, even if you take all the safety precautions you can, accidents can and will happen. Be prepared and know what to do, and if it was someone else’s fault, we suggest you consult with a motorcycle accident lawyer.
Be visible
Being visible is essential for motorcycle safety. Almost half of all crashes between bikes and cars are caused by insufficient visibility. Fog, rain, and strong winds are all causes of poor visibility. Fortunately, there are several ways to improve your motorcycle visibility and reduce the risk of getting into an accident.
When approaching an intersection, choose a position in the lane that increases your visibility to the other driver. Be sure to cover your clutch and both brakes. As you approach the intersection, reduce your speed and move away from vehicles preparing to turn. Do not change your position radically and try to stay within the field of vision of the other driver.
Give yourself space
When riding a motorcycle, the first rule is to always give yourself plenty of space. This applies to other drivers as well, especially those in front of you. Motorcycles are smaller and more difficult to see than larger vehicles, so it’s important to give yourself plenty of space. As a motorcyclist, you should also be aware of your blind spots and headlights, so you can make yourself easily visible. Use reflective strips and clothing whenever you’re riding, and always flash your brake light if you need to slow down. It’s also a good idea to use your horn if you need to.
Motorcycle riders should also allow themselves as much space as possible when following other vehicles. A two-second following distance is sufficient for an emergency stop, but if you’re riding a motorcycle in a congested area, it’s best to keep at least a three-second cushion. This is especially important if you’re traveling in a city with congested roads or bad visibility. You should also be able to change lanes if necessary, and be sure to ride single file in turns and highways.
Avoid drinking and driving
Motorcycle riding and alcohol do not mix, and the risks of a crash are much greater for a motorcyclist. In fact, alcohol and drugs are responsible for 40-45% of motorcycle crashes. Alcohol and drugs also impair the ability to make good judgments and make quick decisions. Even one drink can have a drastic impact on your performance and safety on the road. Here are some ways to keep yourself and other motorists safe when operating a motorcycle after alcohol or drugs.
Generally, alcohol and drugs impair balance and coordination, two of the most important skills for motorcycle riding. Alcohol and drugs can also impair your ability to see other drivers. These impairments can result in crashes and fatalities. For this reason, the NHTSA urges its riders to Ride Smart and Ride Sober.
Wear a helmet
Wearing a motorcycle helmet can reduce the risk of injuries, especially for those who are not used to riding motorcycles. Many states have laws about wearing motorcycle helmets, and some even require helmets for children. However, these laws may change, and you should always check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles before using a helmet.
According to studies, brain trauma is the leading cause of death in traffic accidents involving motorcyclists. Helmet use reduces the risk of brain injuries and deaths by as much as forty percent.
Avoid rear-end collisions
If you ride a motorcycle, you should always try to avoid rear-end collisions with other vehicles. Although these types of collisions are usually minor fender benders, you should never underestimate the dangers of this type of accident. In fact, rear-end collisions can result in life-changing injuries. It is important to understand how rear-end motorcycle accidents happen so that you can avoid them.
To avoid rear-end motorcycle collisions, always remain alert, especially during stop lights and red lights. The majority of rear-end collisions occur when vehicles are stopped at red lights. It is also important to monitor your mirrors frequently.
Share the road
If you ride a motorcycle, it’s very important to share the road with other drivers. Because motorcycle riders are much faster than other vehicles, giving them enough room is very important to avoid a rear-end collision. Motorcyclists should be extra cautious when passing cars and should signal their intentions before passing.
Motorcyclists should maintain a four-second buffer between themselves and other vehicles. During inclement weather, gusty winds, wet roads, or bad road conditions, it’s a good idea to increase this distance. In addition, drivers should give cyclists more space when crossing railroad crossings.
