Five Tips to Prevent Motorcycle Accidents
Posted on Wednesday, December 1st, 2021 at 9:33 am
Though motorcycle riding can be convenient and enjoyable, there’s no doubt that there’s an increased risk of serious injury to motorcyclists if they are involved in accidents. Luckily, there are some safety precautions you can take to reduce these risks.
Tip 1: Never Forget Your Helmet
Some states have laws requiring motorcyclists to wear protective gear while they’re operating their motorcycles. These laws primarily require helmets. While Kentucky used to require that all motorcyclists wear a helmet, today only motorcyclists who are under the age of 21 or who have had their motorcycle license for less than a year are required to wear a helmet. Ohio requires motorcyclists under the age of 18 and motorcyclists with only a permit wear a helmet.
Still, you’re well-advised to wear a helmet every time you’re riding your motorcycle. Extensive research has shown that proper helmet-wearing while riding a motorcycle, or even a bicycle, can reduce the risk of serious brain and head injuries should you be involved in a collision.
Be sure to wear a Department of Transportation compliant helmet. You can find out about the DOT’s helmet requirements here.
Tip 2: Watch Your Speed
Speeding is one of the most common causes of auto accidents. You aren’t just at risk of violating traffic laws when you’re riding above the speed limit. You increase your risk of serious injury when speeding on your motorcycle.
Just like with passenger vehicles, riding at high speeds can compromise your ability to properly handle your motorcycle and react quickly when needed. High-speed collisions can cause devastating and fatal injuries, especially to motorcyclists because motorcycles lack any form of covering that could be protective.
Tip 3: Keep an Eye on the Weather
Inclement weather can create driving risks for any car or truck driver. Given the unique exposure, lack of protection, and two fewer wheels that motorcycles have, inclement weather poses an increased risk for serious accidents for motorcyclists. Wet, icy, or snowy roads can create a dangerous situation for motorcyclists by causing their tires to skid. This is a recipe for collision.
Do your best to avoid riding when the weather is anticipated to create poor conditions. Pay attention to the chances of rain, snow, and freezing temperatures, and try to plan your travel so you can avoid those conditions.
Tip 4: Don’t Lane Split
We know. When you’re stuck in traffic or approaching a stoplight, for example, it’s tempting to just ride between lanes past all of the stopped cars. But it can be dangerous.
Lane splitting is when a motorcyclist rides down the line splitting one lane from another. When you’re lane splitting, you’re riding in close proximity to other vehicles. Doing this increases your risk of being injured in a serious accident. Vehicles may attempt to change lanes or may drift out of their lane, and because they may not be paying proper attention or because you’re riding in their blind spot. They could hit you and cause you serious injuries.
For your safety, it’s best to avoid lane splitting altogether.
Tip 5: Don’t Skip the Maintenance
Every vehicle needs routine inspections and proper maintenance to make sure all the parts are working as they should. After all, no one wants to be stuck on the side of the road because their vehicle randomly broke down.
Motorcycles are no different. You should be having maintenance performed on your motorcycle to make sure it’s operating optimally. Not only could this save you a headache down the line, but it could also potentially save you from serious injuries. A mechanic may be able to catch any urgent issues that may need to be fixed. By discovering mechanical errors before you hit the road, you can reduce the potential danger that these issues could create if they’re left unrepaired and reduce the risk that those issues will cause an accident.
Contact Lawrence & Associates Accident and Injury Lawyers, LLC Today
If you’ve been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident that wasn’t your fault, you have the right to pursue compensation from the person who caused the accident.
The motorcycle accident lawyers of Lawrence & Associates Accident and Injury Lawyers, LLC, serving clients in both Ohio and Kentucky, are experienced in representing motorcycle accident victims in claims and lawsuits and helping them obtain full and fair compensation for their injuries. We’ve secured millions of dollars in settlements and awards on behalf of our clients due to our dedication and expansive legal skills.
For help with your motorcycle accident claim or case and to schedule a free consultation, call us today at (513) 351-5997 or contact us online. We can discuss your claim and let you know what your best legal options are to obtain compensation so you can move forward with your life.
