Motorcycle accidents are more fatal than car accidents. Because motorcycles don’t necessarily have bodily protection, motorcyclists are more susceptible to injury in the case of an accident. Many people purchase motorcycles for the excitement and freedom that comes with it. It doesn’t matter if you are a new rider or an experienced one, you are still more susceptible to vehicular accidents. It requires attentiveness and caution to ride a motorcycle safely.
It’s important to understand the ways you can prevent an accident so you are practicing more safe driving on the road. There are many common causes of motorcycle accidents including:
- Head-on collision
- Rear-ending
- Left turning cars
- Lane switching
- High speeds
- Open car doors
- Hazardous roads and more
To be able to protect yourself from a potential accident you must have certain precautionary understanding and practice. Here are some of the ways you can help prevent future motorcycle accidents.
Have the appropriate gear
Safety gear is important and should be worn anytime you take your motorcycle onto the road. Your gear is what protects you from potential harm. It also helps make your riding experience more comfortable and increases your visibility on the road. If you want to increase your visibility, especially when it is dark, you should wear a reflective vest or safety jacket that is bright.
The helmet is perhaps the most important part of your safety gear. It protects your head from injury and allows you to ride more comfortably without the wind in your eyes or face. Boots and gloves are also important but it isn’t against the law if you aren’t wearing motorcycle boots or gloves.
Be alert
The utmost important thing about riding a motorcycle, or driving on the road in general, is being extremely alert and aware. You have to pay attention to your surroundings when you are riding your motorcycle. It can be easy for cars to miss you or not be able to see you and cause an accident. You must be a defensive driver when you are a motorcyclist. Always stay alert when a car is turning. You can easily get hit if a car doesn’t see you. Watch for turn signals and pay attention to the driver’s mannerisms so you know their next move.
Avoid hazardous roads
If it is raining outside or the weather conditions are extreme, you should avoid riding your motorcycle altogether. Riding on hazardous roads can lead to an accident and fatal injuries. You want to prevent an accident by avoiding them as a whole. You may come across a road that has gravel. Gravel roads are a motorcyclists enemy as it is too easy to spin out and lost control.
If you find yourself stuck in a situation that you shouldn’t be in for your safety remember to stay calm and ride at lower speeds. You should always be using proper riding techniques so that you are safe on the road.
Make sure you are visible
Being visible to drivers is essential for safe motorcycle driving. This starts with the gear you decide to put on then it goes into how attentive you are. To be seen on a motorcycle you have to make yourself seen. There aren’t as many motorcycles on the road as there are cars so drivers aren’t necessarily looking for you when they are either switching lanes or turning. Make sure you see that they see you to ensure you are safe on the road.
Take caution at intersections
Intersections are popular areas where collisions and motorcycle accidents happen. When a car is turning left, it is a danger zone for you. The car that is turning left will not be able to see you if you are beside them when it happens. You should remain alert when it comes to vehicles making turns in front of you. This is a common way motorcyclists get injured so as a rider, you should have the appropriate insurance set in place and know when to get a motorcycle accident attorney.
Use caution while you are riding in general, but be even more when a car is about to make a left turn. Focus on the wheels of the car to see the direction the car is going and pay attention to turning and hand signals.
Don’t drink and ride or speed
Avoid drinking and getting on your bike to ride because you could cause a fatal accident and destroy your motorcycle. More than 40% of motorcyclists involved in fatal single-vehicle crashes were under the influence.
Drinking and operating any kind of vehicle can lead to fatal injuries so you want to make sure you give yourself time to sober up before getting on the road if you have been drinking. Not only can you face possibilities of death but legal consequences for driving under the influence.
Speeding should also be avoided as it can limit the amount of control you have and make you more susceptible to collisions. You should drive the speed limit to help prevent a harmful accident. Though you may feel inclined to use your motorcycle’s capabilities while you are on the road, but to ensure that you are safe, you should pay attention to speed limits.
