Summer is finally on its way, and after a rough spring, we are all ready for it. More motorcyclists hit the road in the summer months because of the warmer temperatures, and whether you ride or simply share the road with motorcyclists, there are things you can do to help avoid dangerous motorcycle accidents from happening.
If You Ride
While the freedom of the open road can be a real siren song for motorcyclists, if you ride, you should always make safety your top priority. When you are on your bike, you join the flow of traffic, but you have none of the physical protections that other motorists have, including the protective shell of a car. There are, however, specific safety precautions you can take to help you make every ride a safe ride. These include:
- Always Wear Your Helmet – Wearing a well-fitting safety helmet every time you ride can mean the difference between life and death if you are ever involved in an accident. Do not forget to also don other safety gear, such as long pants, protective footwear, a jacket, and gloves. There are a wide variety of garments that are specifically designed to help keep you safe out there.
- Make Yourself More Visible – When you are on your motorcycle, you take up much less space on the road than do other vehicles, and this makes you more difficult to see. Make yourself more visible by keeping your headlight on, wearing bright safety gear, and never traveling in tight spaces within traffic.
- Keep Your Bike Well Maintained – Implementing regularly scheduled maintenance helps ensure that your bike is always roadworthy.
- Obey the Rules of the Road – Carefully adhering to the rules of the road – including the speed limit – is essential to riding safely.
- Stay Out of Other Vehicles’ Blind Spots – All enclosed vehicles have blind spots that obscure their drivers’ views. Never ride in another vehicle’s blind spot and be especially wary of semis and other oversize vehicles.
Start Seeing Motorcycles
When you are behind the wheel of your vehicle, it is critical that you look for and remain aware of motorcyclists in your midst. Because motorcycles are more difficult to see and because motorcyclists are far more vulnerable to the dangerous effects of traffic accidents, it is important to take every safety precaution when it comes to sharing the road with motorcycles, including:
- Always check your safety mirrors and look back before changing lanes or merging with traffic
- Closely adhere to the rules of the road (including speed limits)
- Allow motorcycles their own lane and as much space as possible on the road
- Never drive while distracted, impaired, or exhausted
It Is Time to Consult with an Experienced Lawyer
If another driver leaves you injured in a motorcycle accident, Brett Pritchard is a dedicated personal injury lawyer who has extensive experience helping clients like you obtain the compensation they need to reach their fullest recoveries. For more information, please do not hesitate to contact or call us at 254-501-4040 today.