(Contributed post for our American readers)
Riding a motorcycle on your way to work, school or wherever is a good way to beat the heavy traffic and enjoy the glory of summer air. Because the vehicle is a lot smaller than others, it can be manoeuvred between cars or trucks while staying safe. This allows you to go first and be always on the frontline. If you are in hurry, motorcycling is really a good way to go!
However, using the bike as a means of transportation has its own risks.
Data gathered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed that 5286 people died in motorcycle accidents in 2016 alone. 2015 data show that more than 1,000 people are injured for every 100,000 registered motorcycles in the United States.
Those collisions happened with all kinds of vehicles, but the most catastrophic accidents were those involving semi trucks. Fortunately, there are ways for you to be prepared for these dangers on the road, specifically. Read on to learn how you can stay aware and alert while on the road.
Obey your road training
A motorcycle is a machine. It doesn’t have a mind of its own. It basically needs human intervention for it to function and go to wherever destination. Before you use it, make sure that you are equipped with the right knowledge not only when it comes to driving but also giving it the maintenance that it needs to perform reliably. Many documented accidents are caused by poorly maintained engines, brakes and other components of the bike.
Additionally, there are rules that apply when you’re driving around truckers specifically. You know, if you finished your course, that there are places a truck driver simply cannot see you. You know that there are limits to how quickly they can brake—meaning they don’t behave like smaller vehicles.
Never treat those training instructions as optional. They exist because truck drivers can only be so careful.
Follow speed limits
It might be frustrating sometimes, but speed limits are in place because they serve important purposes. They are basically calculated based on exhaustive studies and research done by authorized road safety agents. For sure, these limits are imposed with only one purpose: to keep motorists out of harm’s way.
Part of following the speed limit is avoiding aggressive passing, particularly of trucks. Be patient if you’re stuck in slower traffic, and only pass when there is ample time for the truck you’re passing to see you. If you happen to pass through roads with clearly imposed speed limits, do yourself and the authorities a favor by abiding by the rules.
Never drive when intoxicated
Never consume alcohol or any other psychoactive substance before you drive a car or a motorcycle. Intoxication affects your thoughts and overall perception of things. It might even have effects on your ability to make sound judgments.
Studies have shown that alcohol consumption can lead to more risk-taking behaviors such as speeding and overtaking even in risky situations. Again, your ability to control not only the machine but also the situation protects you from harm. The moment you give away even a portion of that control, you are putting yourself at a serious risk.
Following road safety tips is great, but we have to understand that accidents sometimes happen not because of our negligence but because of the recklessness of the other drivers that we share the road with. When we’re sharing the road with truckers, accidents can have terrible, even catastrophic consequences.
In such cases, the most important way to protect yourself is with representation. You need the help of motorcycle accident lawyers to file personal injury claims against the driver at fault. Finding good candidates in your area should be easy. If you are from Illinois, you can meet good personal injury lawyers when you visit https://blumenshinelawgroup.com. If you are from other states, ask your friends and family for recommendations you can trust.