Motorcycles let you see beautiful views as you explore the country, but riding one can be dangerous. Unlike cars and trucks, motorcycles offer less protection in accidents because they’re lighter and riders are less shielded.
In some places, helmets aren’t mandatory, but wearing one is crucial for reducing the risk of deadly accidents.
If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident and need help, then consulting experienced motorcycle accident attorneys is vital. These legal professionals will work hard to get you the compensation you deserve.
Keep these 6 Tips in Mind the Next Time You Take Your Motorcycle Out for a Spin
Here are 6 things to be careful about when riding your motorcycle:
1: Use a Helmet
Wearing a helmet is not just a legal requirement, it’s also the most important thing you can do to stay safe while riding a motorcycle. Head injuries are the main cause of death for motorcycle riders.
Ensure you choose the right helmet. Always opt for a helmet approved by the Department of Transportation, as they meet a minimum standard of safety.
2: Educate Your Passengers
Having a passenger on your motorcycle can be fun, but it’s important that they also play a part in keeping both of you safe.
Ensure that anyone riding with you wears the right gear. They should wear sturdy shoes and protective clothing, just like you. Practice riding with a passenger, especially if they are larger than you, in a safe area such as a parking lot. This will help you get used to the extra weight, how the passenger feels on the motorcycle, and how they should move with you during different maneuvers.
3: Pay Attention to the Weather
Riding a motorcycle in the rain is way riskier than driving a car because motorcycles are not as stable. With only two wheels, you have half the traction of a car, and without windshield wipers, your visibility is compromised. Additionally, riding in heavy rain can be painful.
Before heading out for a ride, check the weather. If heavy rain, snow, or ice is forecast, it’s best to leave the motorcycle at home. If you must ride in the rain, wait a while after the rain starts. When rain first hits the road, it often brings up oil and other substances, making the road extremely slippery.
4: Maintain a Safe Distance
One common mistake among drivers and motorcycle riders is not leaving enough stopping distance. While motorcycles need less space to stop and maneuver than cars do, they still require more space than many people think.
Leave a generous gap between your motorcycle and the vehicle in front of you, and try to keep an escape route open to the side (such as onto the road shoulder) in case you cannot stop in time.
5: Avoid Distractions
Distracted driving is dangerous, especially when riding a motorcycle. Staying safe on a motorcycle requires being hyper-aware of your surroundings. Motorcycles can be hard for drivers, especially those in large vehicles, to see.
You need to see them and avoid them, rather than relying on them to see you. Using your phone or iPod while riding reduces your reaction time, increasing the risk of a collision. Colliding with a large vehicle at high speed is dangerous.
Removing all distractions while on a motorcycle is essential. Do not wear headphones, and place your phone where you cannot access it.
6. Ride Within Your Skills
Riding a motorcycle is a skill that requires development, much like any other skill. While you might feel comfortable taking a leisurely ride around town, becoming an expert motorcyclist takes time and practice.
To ensure your safety, it’s important to always ride within your skill level. Your more experienced friends might be able to ride at high speeds, navigate through traffic, or handle their motorcycles on winding roads, but you shouldn’t feel pressured to do the same. Take the necessary time to enhance your skills and only ride in conditions where you feel confident in your abilities.
