Being a safe motorcycle driver requires different skills than driving a car; however, road laws apply to every driver just the same.
Consistent education, regard for traffic laws, and common sense go a long way in reducing the amount of motorcycle-related fatalities each year. As a motorcyclist, you need to understand common safety motorcycle tips to ensure that your future rides are safe.
Wear the Proper Gear
Wearing a helmet is the most secure way to avoid a head injury in the event of a crash. A motorcycle rider who isn’t wearing a helmet is five times more likely to sustain a critical and potentially fatal head injury.
Make sure that you’re wearing the appropriate motorcyclist gear and clothing that will help minimize the number of injuries in the event of a skid or accident. Wear leather clothes, boots with nonskid soles, and gloves to protect yourself from severe injuries. Another safe step to take is to attach reflective tape to your clothes so that other drivers can see you, especially in the dark.
Ride Defensively
To be a safe motorcycle driver, you must remember to drive defensively. Don’t forget that you are not riding in a big car, but other people are. There is always a chance that another driver might not see you since you’re operating a smaller vehicle.
Unfortunately, nearly two-thirds of all motorcycle accidents are caused by a driver that violates a motorcyclist’s right of way. So here are a few tips that can help you stay safe:
- Always ride with your headlights on.
- Stay out of a car driver’s blind spots.
- Signal far in advance of any changes in direction you’ll be taking.
- Keep an eye out for turning vehicles.
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
- Study up on the lane sharing laws in each state.
- Only operate a motorcycle when you are awake and sober. You should never drive fatigued or while under the influence.
Hone Your Skills Through Continuous Education
Complete a formal motorcycle riding education program, become licensed, and take riding courses every couple of months to develop new riding techniques and finetune your street-riding strategies. You may find classes that private companies offer, but you can often find ones that the state provides. Make sure to always stay up to date on your motorcycle license as well.
Thoroughly Prepare for Your Ride
If there is a problem with your motorcycle, it’s best to find out while you’re still at home rather than when you’re already on the road. Ensuring that your bike is fit for street riding is just as important as practicing safe riding. To give yourself the best chance of being a safe motorcycle driver, make sure that your motorcycle is in perfect working order; check the following:
- Tires: Inspect for any cracks and bulges and any signs of wear and tear in the treads. Checking this is a must because low tire pressure or defects could cause a tire blowout.
- Under the motorcycle: Look for signs of spilled oil or gas leaks.
- Check your hydraulic and coolant fluids every week.
- Check your headlight, taillight, and signals, and test for high and low beams. Make sure that each taillight is functioning.
Motorcycle Accident? Call Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton
Even if you are a safe motorcycle driver and always exercise precaution, reckless drivers on the road may cause crashes and injuries for even the safest motorcyclist. If you experience an accident while riding your motorcycle, file a personal injury claim so you can recover the financial losses you experienced due to the crash. Contact Flickinger Sutterfield & Boulton if you’re a motorcyclist who needs an experienced personal injury lawyer. We’ll fight for you to settle the lawsuit and get you the payments you deserve.
We have office locations in Provo, Orem, Saratoga Springs, and West Jordan, so if you are involved in a severe accident in the state of Utah, we’re on the case.