(Contributed post for our North American readers)
Many of us love nothing more than to get on the open road and explore on our motorcycles. No matter how long you’ve been riding for, your health and safety should naturally be your number one priority. When comparing the fatality rate for car accidents and motorcycle accidents, the latter is more than 26 times higher, meaning safety and security should be your major concern.
Whether you’re a newbie, or a seasoned biker, there are various precautionary measures that you can take to reduce the risk of crashing. Here are five tips on how to avoid a motorcycle accident.
Wear the Right Gear
Wearing the correct safety gear can not only help make riding more comfortable, but also increase your visibility on the road, as well as keep your body protected from injuries. Wearing a safety jacket or a reflective vest in a bright color will help ensure that other drivers are aware of your presence, especially at night. No matter how many years of riding experience you have, you’re not invincible, so it’s crucial that you always wear your helmet.
Ride at an Appropriate Speed
Speeding on the open road may feel liberating and exhilarating, however, not only will you be putting yourself in danger, but other motorists too. When riding, you should always keep control of your pace, and adhere to regular traffic laws. If you’re riding in severe weather conditions, you may want to ride more cautiously.
Avoid Blind Zones
Many accidents are a result of drivers not being able to see the motorcyclist from their side and rear-view mirrors. To stay out of the blind zone, you can do this by placing yourself towards the front of other vehicles, meaning you will be situated within the driver’s line of sight.
Stay Vigilant
When riding on your motorcycle, it’s important that you’re on constant alert, and presume that other motorists can’t see you. When arriving at intersections and stop signs, you need to pay extra care and attention, as two-thirds of car and motorcycle accidents occur when another vehicle infringes the motorcycle’s right of way.
Maintain Your Tires
Before heading out on your motorcycle, it’s important that you make sure your motorcycle is maintained and safe to drive. Routinely checking your tires, lights, brakes, and exhaust system can not only put your mind at ease but reduce the risk of an accident. In the winter season especially, roads can be treacherous, so keeping a close eye on your motorcycle is vital.
Contact a Lawyer
If you have unfortunately been in a motorcycle accident, your first port of call should be to contact a motorcycle accident lawyer who can help you with your case. To make sure you get the care and compensation you deserve, you will also need to retrieve medical records which can act as evidence during your case.
While motorcycle riding can bring you excitement and the adrenaline rush you crave, it’s also known to be a dangerous and potentially fatal activity. Keeping yourself and others on the road safe is important, so make sure to take all the guidance above on board.