3 Safety Practices to Prevent Motorcycle Collisions and Injuries

 Posted on December 26, 2019 in Personal Injury

Whether you prefer riding your motorcycle in warm, sunny weather, or you ride daily, come rain or shine, you know the risks that come with operating a motorcycle, regardless of the time of year. Doing your best to avoid a motorcycle accident begins with the understanding that operating a bike requires a different skillset and knowledge than the competence needed to drive an automobile. While you certainly cannot control the driving behavior of others around you, there are some safety practices that every motorcyclist can put into action to decrease their chances of accident and injury.

What You Can Do to Protect Yourself

1. Carry the proper license - While it is true that licensing regulations vary for motorcyclists from state to state, a motorcycle license endorsement is required, no matter which state you reside in. A combination of written and riding skills tests must be completed in order to obtain an official license endorsement and demonstrate that you have the necessary experience and knowledge to safely ride a motorcycle. Carrying the proper license may not guarantee your protection from a motorcycle accident and injury, but it definitely increases your chances of being able to ride efficiently and effectively so you are prepared to operate your bike in the safest way possible.

2. Know your bike - Just as it is important for drivers to be comfortable with their automobiles, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reminds motorcyclists that they, too, are safer on the roadway when they are familiar with and comfortable with their bike. The NHTSA recommends taking the time to get accustomed to your bike. Know how to maneuver it and how to handle it under various conditions, including in bad weather. You can practice safe road time by riding in an empty lot or another isolated area away from highway traffic.

3. Drive defensively - Being a defensive motorcyclist is critical to your safety on the highway. As a biker, you already know you have certain disadvantages when it comes to being less visible to other drivers. This is especially the case when it comes to blind spots. Other drivers who are weaving and downshifting, paired with the mere difference in the size of your vehicle when compared to regular automobiles, all pose unique risks to your safety. With these disadvantages, it is even more imperative you remain alert, sober, and constantly aware of your surroundings. Scan your mirrors frequently, obey the rules of the road, be courteous, and avoid all forms of distracted driving.

Contact an Arlington Heights Personal Injury Lawyer

Should you find yourself in a motorcycle accident, you will need competent legal representation by your side to ensure your rights are protected in a court of law. In some cases, another motorist may have driven recklessly and caused your crash. That is why it is important to speak with a qualified Palatine motorcycle accident attorney, as you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and damages. Call Newland & Newland LLP today at 847-797-8000 to schedule your free phone consultation.

Sources:

https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/motorcycle-safety

https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.dot.gov/files/811280.pdf