Riding a motorcycle carries a greater risk of injury than driving a vehicle. Riding a motorcycle increases your risk of death in an accident by over 30 times compared to driving a car. Despite their popularity, motorcycles only make up 3% of U.S. vehicle registrations and 1% of vehicle miles driven. Yet the death rate for motorcyclists was six times that of those in cars per registered vehicle.
The mortality rate per vehicle mile driven also shows that motorcyclists are about 30 times more likely to be killed than automobile drivers. Most of the time, the injuries from a motorcycle accident are worse than those from a car accident.
Seek financial compensation if a motorcycle accident severely hurts you. If you find a reliable motorcycle accident attorney to work with, you can put legal matters and associated worries on their shoulders while you concentrate on healing. Contact experienced lawyers from reputed law firms, such as Steven A. Bagen & Associates, P.A., to learn more about how you might get paid. They can assist you in obtaining the compensation you deserve after a motorcycle accident.
Seven Safety Precautions to Take When Riding a Motorcycle
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Some motorcycle accidents are unavoidable, but there are steps you can take when riding a motorcycle to protect yourself and your passenger. Here are seven suggestions to help you bike more safely and avoid mishaps.
1. Wear proper safety gear
The first thing you should consider while hopping on your bike is how you appear. It’s unacceptable to wear shorts, a t-shirt, and sandals while riding a motorcycle, no matter how hot it is. Don’t ride your motorcycle in something as unsafe as sandals. You won’t be safe if you don’t have the correct gear for your motorcycle. Always wear gloves to safeguard your hands and improve your grip, leather gear to protect your skin, and a helmet to protect your head.
2. Check your motorcycle before hiding
Before going out on the road, ensure your bike is in top shape. Tire pressure, mirrors, and lights are just a few things you should double-check before every motorcycle ride. Walking around the bike will tell you if there are any loose bolts, leaks, or other mechanical dangers.
In addition, you need to be more conscientious about doing routine upkeep and repair work. Don’t put off necessary repairs. Instead, check the oil regularly, adjust the suspension as needed, and monitor the wear on your tires and brake pads.
3. Be visible
Make yourself visible to other motorists by dressing in fluorescent or reflective materials, turning on your headlights, and parking in a well-lit area. Wearing bright colors and adding reflective tape to your clothing and bike can help other drivers see you more easily. Wear bright and reflective clothing to reduce collisions.
4. Keep a safe distance
One common mistake drivers and motorcyclists make is not leaving enough space for motorcycles to stop. Because of their small size and low weight, bicycles need less room for stopping and maneuvering than cars, but they still need more than you may expect. When traveling at high speeds, driving carefully and avoiding getting too close to other vehicles on the road is essential.
Drive safely from the car before you allow fast stopping, and be aware of passing zones. Verify that it’s safe for two bikes to ride side by side without endangering safety vehicles traveling in the other direction.
5. Obey traffic rules and laws
Riding a motorcycle on U.S. roads without a license or endorsement is illegal. Avoid collisions by obeying posted speed limits, traffic signs, and lane markings. Respect the rules of the road at all times, and always use your signals. If your turn signals or brake lights malfunction, use hand signals.
6. Avoid riding under the influence
One cause of motorcycle accidents is alcohol abuse. There’s no room for inaccuracy, poor judgment, or delayed reaction times that alcohol induces when riding a motorcycle. Never go on a motorcycle if you doubt your judgment, reaction time, alertness, balance, or other tasks required of a safe rider. This goes for driving under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, or certain prescription pharmaceuticals. Rest if you feel sleepy, as fatigue might affect your riding.
7. Stay alert
Don’t allow anything to pull your focus away from the road. Motorists must watch for debris and fluids, such as oil, on the road, including potholes. A motorcycle has less traction and is likelier to slide and lose control than a vehicle. Steer clear of roadblocks, but reduce your speed before passing over them if impossible.
Final Thoughts
There is no reason motorcycle riding should be hazardous if you practice caution and safety. Many riders go their whole lives without getting into an accident, and they say that because they follow the most basic safety rules for motorcycles.
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