Tips For Staying Safe While Riding a Motorcycle

A motorcycle is one of the most efficient ways to get from one place to another. However, a motorcycle accident lawyer is familiar with the fact that accidents involving motorcycles lead to thousands of fatalities each year. Too many people do not pay attention to the rules of the road, which threatens the lives of innocent victims. You can do your part to stay safe and minimize the risk of an accident by following the tips below. 

Do Routine Maintenance Inspections

Keeping your motorcycle in road-safe condition can drastically minimize the chances of getting into an accident. Regular and timely maintenance inspections can spot issues such as faulty brakes, cracks, and other problems. Even small issues can cause an accident that can seriously injure innocent drivers and pedestrians. Don’t skip any essential maintenance appointments so that your motorcycle remains in top condition. 

Obey Traffic Signs and Laws

Negligence or reckless driving is one of the leading causes of motorcycle accidents. Motorcycles can accelerate much faster reaching high speeds than cars. This can make it difficult for other vehicles to avoid a collision if a motorcycle is coming their way. Staying within the speed limit, paying attention to the flow of traffic and riding safely can decrease the likelihood of an accident occurring.

Signal to Other Drivers

Do not assume that other drivers can always see you. A driver might suddenly switch lanes because they do not see a motorcycle coming their way from behind them. Accidents can occur even when there is no traffic, such as a parking lot. Sadly, these accidents are preventable. To avoid collisions, always make eye contact with other drivers, drive at safe speeds in busy areas, and always use hand and turn signals. 

Do Not Lane-Split

Lane-splitting is when a motorcyclist travels in between lanes on a road, such as on a freeway. This is a legal practice in California below a certain speed limit, but is largely outlawed in the rest of the United States because it is dangerous and often misused. Some motorcycle riders lane split at high speeds. Drivers may have a hard time seeing motorcycles coming from behind them, so there is a high risk of a collision. 

Don’t wait too long to file your motorcycle accident claim. Contact a trusted motorcycle lawyer right away so that you don’t lose your right to obtain compensation that you are entitled to. To get started, schedule a consultation with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer before it’s too late.