Any motorcycle rider can attest that it’s the optimal mode of transportation for navigating winding suburban roads. In addition to being an enjoyable means of travel, motorcycles are fuel-efficient and more economical than cars. However, they pose greater risks than cars due to the absence of external protection, with protective gear being their sole safeguard.
Riders are 30 times more likely to encounter death in a road accident compared to car owners. If you’re a victim of a motorcycle accident, you should consider contacting one of the motorcycle accident attorneys from MNH Injury Lawyers for legal advice and help with the claims process.
With collective experience spanning over two decades, MNH Injury Lawyers proves to be one of the best personal injury law firms in the US. They have secured over millions for their clients. A firm like this would be your best bet for securing fair compensation for you.
Here are some essential tips to avoid motorcycle accidents:
- Be mentally and physically ready to ride
You have to be ready to ride, not when feeling exhausted or after using alcohol and drugs. You should always dress up and protect yourself as if you expect and are well prepared for an accident. There are various protective gear that you must have as a rider, including gloves, a well-fitting helmet, leather pants, and boots. Investing in protective gear will leave you with no regrets but will help you avoid severe injuries in case of a crash.
- Take a safety course
Even though it’s not a must-have requirement, it’s one of the best ways to improve a rider’s skills. Safety courses are not only a safe way to learn motorcycle methods but also fun to do with friends. They’re also useful for riders who have gone years without riding.
- Always keep your head high and eyes on the road
Many accidents happen due to inattentive or distracted riders. Distracted driving is the leading cause of motorcycle accidents and all the other types of accidents in general. As a rider, you have to keep your mind and eyes on the road when turning a corner and at least 3 seconds ahead of wherever you’re traveling. You should avoid looking at the rock and instead look at where the wheels should go.
- Follow speed limit rules
As a rider, you are required to maintain the necessary speeds for safety. This enables you to keep a reasonable stopping distance to ensure a safe behind distance. Since some weather conditions, like rain and snow, can lead to low tire grip, riding at low speeds during these conditions is advised for safety.
- Avoid tailgating
Safe riding guidelines suggest that riders should keep a safe distance between their motorcycle and the driver ahead, which will ensure that there’s a safe stopping space. This is commonly referred to as the ‘two-second rule’.
- Make sure that your motorcycle can be clearly seen
Crashes often happen due to inadequate visibility or riders. A motorcycle can be more challenging to see in blind spots and mirrors than more oversized motor vehicles. Ensuring you’re visible as a rider can prevent much damage. As a rider, you should also avoid interlacing through traffic or dashing into tight spaces. To increase visibility, you can turn on indicators when you turn, ensuring your bike is seen on the vehicle’s rearview mirrors.
Conclusion
While riding offers an exciting and efficient means of transport and travel, it comes with risks that require careful preparation and attention. People can control the risks associated with motorcycling by putting safety first through protective gear, course training, awareness of their surroundings, and maintenance of both the machine and the rider. With these essential safety tips, riders can enjoy traveling on open roads while reducing the potential for road accidents and ensuring a safe ride for themselves and other road users.
