There are many reasons why riding a motorcycle puts you at high risk for accidents that can result in serious injury or death. Taking safety measures can significantly reduce the risk of motorcycle accidents. Consider these five important safety tips to prevent motorcycle accidents and stay safe on the road.
How to Avoid Motorcycle Accidents: 5 Important Safety Tips
Motorcycles might be the most fun way to get around the city. They are also convenient. Motorcycles give you a sense of freedom that no other vehicle can give.
However, there is one negative to motorcycles. They are pretty dangerous. Motorcycles don’t have a metal structure protecting the driver. If an accident happens, the driver falls face-first. There is no denying this fact.
Another fact you should know is that most accidents happen due to negligence. You can punish negligence by hiring a motorcycle accident lawyer from Cory Watson or other reputed law firms.
This blog post discusses the different measures one can take to avoid motorcycle accidents. Read on.
5 Tips to Prevent Motorcycle Accidents
Taking safety measures can significantly reduce the risk of motorcycle accidents. Follow the below 5 safety measures to avoid motorcycle accidents:
- Obey traffic laws
- Wear reflective clothing
- Ride defensively
- Drive when you are sober
- Beware of road hazards
Obey Traffic Rules
Following the traffic rules is a must when you are on the road. Crossing the signal when it is red may seem like the right decision, but it can result in catastrophic accidents.
All traffic rules are formulated to protect motorists and pedestrians from accidents. So follow those rules.
Wear Reflective Clothing
Car drivers may not see you, especially at night. It is your responsibility to make yourself seen.
Wear reflective clothing that can help other drivers see you. Car drivers are more likely to see you when you are wearing bright clothes.
Ride Defensively
Riding defensively can help you avoid accidents to a great extent. Follow these tips to ride defensively:
- Drive, assuming that no other driver sees you. This way, you will be more careful.
- Use your horn wisely. However, don’t overuse it and be a nuisance.
- Use the turn signals to signal the other drivers of your intention.
By riding defensively, you will be more careful and active.
Drive When You Are Sober
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a common cause of motorcycle accidents. When a person is drunk, they won’t be able to carry out any tasks. Driving is a difficult task, even when a person is sober.
A drug- or alcohol-impaired person will not have the same reaction time as a sober person. They won’t be able to react quickly when they are required to. So, ride only when you are sober.
Beware of Hazards
When driving, look for potholes and other hazards. These hazards can cause you to fall. Being aware of these hazards can help you avoid them.
Since you are on a motorcycle, even a minor pothole is a major danger for you. So avoid these hazards carefully.
Wearing a helmet is very important to reduce the risk of serious head injury. |
The Importance of Wearing a Helmet While Riding a Bike
A bike rider must wear a full-face helmet at all times, preferably a light-colored helmet to maximize visibility. Wearing a helmet is one of the most important things to reduce the risk of serious head injury or death in a crash by up to 69%. There are two main types of motorcycle helmets: full face helmets and open face helmets. The most important factor in choosing a helmet is how comfortably it fits on the head, and how comfortable it is to wear while riding. It should not be too loose or too tight.
The great importance of a helmet is that it protects your eyes while helping you have a clear view of the road.
Things to Do After an Accident
- Call 911 and do not leave the scene until the police come.
- Take photos and videos of the accident scene and your injuries.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
- Speak with a lawyer.
- Inform your insurance agency.
- Reject the first offer from the insurance agency since it will be a lowball offer.
- With the help of your lawyer, negotiate a fair settlement offer.
- If the insurance agency is not willing to settle for fair compensation, take your case to court
Final Thoughts
Motorcycles are a fun yet dangerous mode of transportation. It is possible to get into an accident even after taking safety measures. It is important to understand the actions you need to take after the accident.
The right actions can greatly mitigate the consequences of the accident. The first thing you need to do after an accident is to hire a lawyer. An experienced motorcycle accident lawyer can obtain compensation for your losses and get your life back on track.