Motorcycle Accident? How Can I Avoid A Motorcycle Crash?
Motorcycle Accident Concerns? Find Out How To Avoid a Crash or Getting Hurt On A Motorcycle.
Riding a motorcycle is a pleasure ride but can be equally dangerous.
Eighty percent of reported motorcycle accidents turn out fatal or cause severe injuries. Statistics find that the fatality rate in motorcycle crashes is 26 times higher than car accidents.
Safe riding is not a compulsion but a necessity, whether you are a seasoned biker or have just started out. So it is important to take necessary precautions to reduce your risk of a crash. If you or a loved one has suffered in a crash due to the negligence of someone, you should consult with a motorcycle accident attorney at the earliest. But what's even better than that is....
Learning how to AVOID a Motorcycle Crash.
Tips to prevent a motorcycle accident:
Gear up
One thing you cannot ignore while riding a motorbike is the safety gear. Before hitting the road, do not forget to wear long leather pants and sleeves. Or you may choose any other thick, protective material for a bike ride. You should also wear other protective gear. This includes eye protection, gloves, and durable boots that cover your ankles. Go for heavier gear when the weather changes and gets colder.
Wearing bright colors will help you become clearly visible. Additionally, you may add reflective elements to your bike. It should help to keep the headlight on all the time. Do not hesitate to honk if you are unsure whether another vehicle has seen you coming.
Additionally, bikes are equipped with several safety features to avoid a motorcycle accident. This includes grippy tires, powerful brakes, and obstruction-free vision. So use them at the right time.
Wear your helmet
Follow this driving rule religiously. When you are on road, there are chances of a crash. It could be the fault of another driver. But ultimately, you could be injured. So do not ignore the safety tip to abide by the motorcycle helmet laws. A regulation motorcycle helmet is a protective riding gear that could save your life and prevent you from severe head injuries.
Avoid blind zones
One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents is when a driver suddenly changes lanes without seeing a motorcyclist from the mirrors. One way to avoid such a mishap is to stay out of the blind zone.
You can do this by finding a spot within the driver’s line of sight. Besides, you will do well to avoid the area between traffic lanes and parked cars. There is a high risk of drivers and other passengers unknowingly opening the car door, ending up hitting your bike. Another reason to avoid these lanes is to avoid any mishap with pedestrians, who might suddenly step out and cause a collision.
A head-on collision is one of the most fatal types of motorcycle crashes. This usually happens when both vehicles are driving at high speeds. Sadly, the motorcyclist’s chances of injury or death are high in such accidents.
So how can you avoid a motorcycle crash?
It would help to always follow the National Safety Council’s recommendation of “Four Rs” to avoid a head-on collision.
As a biker, you want to read the road ahead and keep to the right. When plying your motorcycle on the road, avoid speeding and try to ride off the road.
Reading the road ahead is a kind of defensive tactic to scanning the road ahead and observing any potential hazards that could cause a motorcycle accident.
While it is important to be in the right-hand lane, you would be safer to keep to the outside of the lane on a two-lane road. It is a precautionary measure to stay safer from head-on collisions. Additionally, this should prevent a crash from accidental lane changes.
Reduce your speed by 20 or 30 MPH if the other vehicle seems to be driving rashly or not paying attention. It can make a difference between life and death.
Riding off the road could also help you slow down and avoid the chances of a head-on collision. So riding to the right could be a life-saving decision
Maintain the vehicle
Before hitting the road on your motorcycle, make sure your bike is in best shape for a ride. It would help to routinely check the lights, tires, brakes, and exhaust system. Besides, while riding the motorbike, it should help to be aware of your surroundings. Keep a check on who is behind you by checking the mirrors. Sometimes a car may suddenly come behind you and startle you. So checking your mirror should give you an idea about those behind.
Make sure your motorbike is running efficiently all the time. Regular inspections are necessary to keep it in top notch. Follow the basics of motorcycle maintenance and change and rotate the tires regularly. This will ensure a proper grip on the road and reduce the risk of sliding. Remember, even the minutest of mechanical issues may pose a risk of accident, if left unaddressed.
Do not speed
Speed thrills but it can be extremely dangerous. When you are looking for tips to avoid a motorcycle accident, you want to keep control of your pace. Do not forget traffic rules. It is equally important to be cautious on slippery and wet pavement. Apart from this, be extra careful when entering corners. It is always better to slow down when entering corners to avoid the risk of a crash into an unforeseen obstacle.
About 36 percent of fatal motorcycle accidents in the U.S. are caused due to speeding.
Watch for rough road
Flaws in the road can throw a bike off balance, resulting in serious injuries. This could even turn fatal. A number of motorcycle accidents occur due to rough road. Sadly, drivers of other vehicles may not notice such flaws in the road. This could prove risky for other vehicles.
Potholes, train tracks, and bumps are some examples of rough roads. So it would help to keep an eye on the road ahead and ensure your path is clear. Unfortunately, some motorcycle accidents are caused when the vehicle accidently runs over potholes, fallen tree branches, or similar hazards on the road.
In order to be safe on the road, you should watch out for any rough patches that could cause a problem.
Never drink and drive
Drinking and driving do not go well together. About 30 percent of fatalities on road are blamed on a drunk driver with a blood alcohol content of more than 0.08 percent. It can be extremely dangerous to drive under influence or intoxication. If you are involved in a motorcycle accident due to the negligence of a drunk driver, you can file for compensation for pain and suffering. Consult with a leading personal injury attorney to guide you.
When you go to a bar, do not go beyond one drink per hour. If this doesn’t work, avoid riding the bike back home.
Maintain riding skills
Whether you are a beginner or a PRO, riding a motorcycle can be tricky at some places and in specific circumstances. Develop your riding techniques for safety and continue to hone your street-riding skills.
If you're new to riding a motorcycle, it is in your best interests to take a motorcycle safety course. Experienced riders can participate in refresher courses.
Be alert
When riding on a motorcycle, forget your smartphone and focus on the road ahead and the vehicles behind. Unless you are alert on the road, nobody can save you. Texting motorists can prove to be a real danger to themselves and other vehicles on the road. Sadly, you could still be injured in a motorcycle accident due to the carelessness of another rider or driver. If you have suffered due to someone’s negligence, you are entitled to compensation. A top personal injury attorney can help understand the legal process.
Apply the right brakes
Apply the rear brake first before the front one if you ever need to urgently apply brakes. If you grab the front brake lever first, you could be thrown over the front end of the bike.
Sadly, many motorcycle accidents are the result of poor reaction time of the rider. So whenever you are on a busy road, it would help to keep your hands over both brakes. This will help you slow or stop immediately without any risk of skidding. It could even help to practice braking at different speeds so you can apply the right brakes at the right time.
Observe the wheels of the vehicle ahead
One useful tip to avoid a motorcycle accident is to pay attention to the wheels of the vehicle moving in front. Observing the wheel pivots gives you an idea where the vehicle is going. This helps in cases where the front vehicle suddenly decides to change lanes. Or you could save yourself from hitting a vehicle that makes a left turn without any indicator.
If a vehicle suddenly backs up near you without indication or warning and you end up hitting them, it can injure you severely. In that case, you could sue the driver of the vehicle for the pain and suffering.
Ideally, you should ride at a safe distance from other vehicles to avoid a motorcycle accident. Distance means you do not have to rely on other drivers being careful...because often, they are not paying attention.
Consult the Best Motorcycle Accident Injury Lawyer
While following these tips holds the key to protecting yourself from potential injuries on the road, you could still be involved in a motorcycle accident due to someone’s negligence. Talking to a good lawyer is a great idea.
"Hiring Scott was one of the best moves I have made in my life....5 star first class act who really knows his stuff."
Call Now.
If you have suffered in a motorcycle accident, please give me a call at 312-500-4500 for a free evaluation of your case. I'll also answer any questions you have for free. I can help you figure out hwo to get lost wages and medical bills paid, and get you compensated for your injuries.