According to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration, roughly 8 out of 10 motorcycle accidents result in injury or death. Whether you’ve been riding for 10 minutes or 10 years, it’s important to take extra precautions before taking a long motorcycle ride to optimize your safety. Here are four precautionary steps to take to avoid a motorcycle accident:
1. Wear the Appropriate Gear
Motorcyclists have a disadvantage with regards to safety compared to people driving in cars or trucks. They do not have a vehicle with four sides or a seatbelt to stop them from being thrown from their seat. It’s imperative that a motorcyclist wears the appropriate gear to protect them if they are in an accident. We suggest the following gear:
- DOT-Approved Helmet
- Durable Boots
- Eye Protection
- Gloves
- Long Sleeves & Pants
2. Optimize Your Visibility
A motorcycle is much smaller than the average vehicle which can decrease visibility on the road. Do everything you can to optimize your visibility while riding. Several tips to implement include wearing a reflective vest, keeping your headlight on at all times, and wearing light-colored clothing.
3. Stay Alert, Stay Alive
This tip should be implemented among all drivers regardless of what vehicle they’re driving. Distracted driving compromises your mental and physical alertness. Keep your eyes on the road and hands on the wheel (or handlebars) and forego checking your phone or any activity that can distract you from the road ahead.
4. Check Mother Nature’s Schedule
Pop-up rainstorms or gusts of wind will happen, and there is not much you can do about it. However, if a bad storm is approaching or severe wind is in the forecast, avoid riding your motorcycle if possible. Wet roads and fierce winds can drastically affect your ability to control your motorcycle and result in a motorcycle accident.
Injured in a Motorcycle Accident? Call Our Personal Injury Attorneys
A motorcycle accident can alter your life. Through rehabilitation and therapy, you can seek a normal lifestyle. However, you need compensation to do so! Our personal injury attorneys can help you through this turbulent time. Call us today: 478-987-1415