There are more than 8 million registered motorcycles in the United States, and that number will only grow. With the summer weather right around the corner, more and more people will be hitting the open road on their bikes. While motorcycle riding can be a lot of fun, it’s important to remember that it can also be dangerous. This blog post will discuss some smart driving tips that will help you reduce your risk of getting into a motorcycle accident.
How Can Motorcycle Accidents be Reduced?
Hitting the road on a motorcycle is an exhilarating experience. The wind in your face, the sun on your skin, and the feeling of freedom are all part of what makes motorcycling so unique. However, there is also an element of risk involved when you get on a bike.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 5000 motorcycle fatalities will occur in the United States in 2019. That is a staggering number, and it doesn’t even begin to touch on the number of injuries that occur each year due to motorcycle accidents.
So, what can be done to reduce the risk of being involved in a motorcycle accident? Here are a few tips:
- Wear proper gear: This includes a DOT-approved helmet, gloves, boots, and protective clothing.
- Be visible: Wear bright colors and use your headlights, even during the daytime.
- Ride within your abilities: Don’t push yourself beyond your limits. Find a less crowded route if you’re not comfortable riding in traffic.
- Be aware of your surroundings: This means keeping an eye out for other vehicles, as well as obstacles in the road.
- Never drink and drive: This should be a no-brainer, but it bears repeating. Alcohol and drugs impair your ability to operate a motorcycle safely.
- Be alert: Fatigued riding is one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents. If you’re tired, take a break.
- Get schooled: If you’re new to riding or have been on a bike, consider taking a motorcycle safety course.
By following these simple tips, you can help to reduce your risk of being involved in a motorcycle accident. In case you or someone you loved has been involved in a road collision, getting in touch with a well-versed Indiana Motorcycle Accident Lawyer can ensure your legal rights are protected.
Which Actions Will Help Improve Your Safety When Riding A Motorcycle?
The tips provided in the previous section can help to improve your safety while riding a motorcycle. In addition to those tips, you can take some other actions to help reduce your risk of being involved in an accident.
- First, always obey the speed limit and never ride faster than you are comfortable. Speeding is one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents.
- Second, be sure to maintain a safe following distance between you and the vehicle in front of you. This will give you more time to react if the driver ahead of you makes a sudden stop or turn.
- Third, avoid riding in bad weather whenever possible. Rain, snow, and ice can make it more difficult to control your motorcycle and increase your risk of accident involvement.
- Fourth, make sure your motorcycle is properly maintained. This includes keeping the tires inflated to the proper pressure and regularly servicing the bike.
By taking these actions, you can help to improve your safety while riding a motorcycle. However, even if you do everything right, there is still a chance that you could be involved in an accident. If that happens, it’s essential to know what to do next.
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention, even if you don’t think you are injured. Some injuries, such as internal bleeding, may not be immediately apparent.
Once you have seen a doctor, you should contact an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer. A lawyer can help you understand your legal rights and options and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
How To Cope With Motorcycle Accidents
While everyone has their ways of coping with motorcycle accidents, here are some general tips that may help you in the aftermath of an accident.
- It’s important to stay calm and avoid panicking. This can be difficult, but it’s important to remember that most accidents are not life-threatening.
- Try to get yourself out of the way of oncoming traffic, if possible. If you can’t move, try to make yourself as visible as possible by waving your arms or placing a brightly colored piece of clothing over your body.
- If you can, take pictures of the accident scene and get the contact information for any witnesses. This will be helpful if you decide to file a police report or insurance claim.
Seeking medical help, therapies for your injuries and legal assistance are essential steps to take after an accident.
Dealing with a motorcycle accident can be difficult, but it’s important to remember that you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you cope with the aftermath of an accident.
Final Words
Driving defensive can help you avoid a motorcycle accident, but even the best drivers can’t always prevent an accident from happening. Learn and never rush, give yourself and other drivers space, avoid distractions, know your bike and obey the law.
If you are involved in an accident, stay calm and get to safety before getting medical help and contacting a lawyer. Remember that you are not alone in this difficult time. There are many resources available to help you cope with the aftermath of an accident.
