5 Tips For Safe Motorcycle Riding
I’m Ed Smith, a Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Sacramento. Safe motorcycle riding practices can help minimize the number of motorcycle injuries and fatalities on the highways. It is important to raise awareness and encourage motorcycle riders to follow all the safety guidelines and tips for their own sake.
Get Accustomed to Your New Motorcycle
Motorcycles are going to vary in terms of their operation and responsiveness. Therefore, before you get ready to ride a new, unfamiliar motorcycle, ride it around on some quiet streets before you take it on the highway or more busy streets. For instance, ride the new motorcycle in a controlled area at first. Once you get comfortable with it, then you can expand your horizons.
Furthermore, when the conditions change, make sure you take note of this, such as inclement weather or road conditions, and negotiating road hazards, such as debris, potholes, and slick roads. If you intend to carry a passenger or some cargo, be ready to make adjustments to the load placement, tires, and suspension.
Keep Your Motorcycle in Fit Condition
Before every motorcycle ride (or every once in a while), you should check the pressure in both the tires as well as tread depth. The foot and hand brakes, signal indicators and headlights, and fluid levels should all be in fit condition. Be alert to any signs of gas or oil leaks under your motorcycle. If you plan to carry cargo, first balance and secure the load appropriately, and adjust the tire pressure and suspension to handle the extra weight.
If you are going to a carry a passenger, they should only mount the bike once the engine has started. The passenger should sit directly behind you, and as far forward as they can. Both feet of the passenger should be on the foot rests during the entire ride, and even when the motorcycle is stopped at a traffic signal.
Remind the passenger to firmly hold on to your waist, belt, or hips; make minimal movement during the ride; and lean in the same direction and at the same time as you do. The passenger should only dismount after you say it is safe or when the engine is off and the motorcycle is stationary.
Use Appropriate Protective Gear
A motorcycle helmet is your best hope to protect your head in the event of a motorcycle crash. Wear a helmet each time without fail, and choose a helmet that meets the safety standards determined by the US DOT. The outer back of the helmet should have the DOT symbol, which is a proof that the helmet is manufactured according to the DOT standards. Certified helmets also have an inside label that identifies the manufacturer and gives information about how to use and care for the helmet.
A motorcycle helmet, in addition to providing head protection, may also include a plastic face shield, which provides protection from rain, wind, dust, insects, and stones and other hard substances thrown up by cars. In case your helmet is without a face shield, you should wear goggles. Eyeglasses are no substitute for goggles because these will not keep your eyes from watering, and may easily fall off.
Legs and arms should be fully covered when you are riding a motorcycle. Heavy denim and leather are preferable clothing. Protective gear not only provides protection against injuries, it also helps reduce the risk of dehydration.
Shoes or boots should cover the ankles, and gloves will provide a better grip as well as offer protection to the hands in a crash. Brightly colored clothes with reflective material is preferable because it makes you more conspicuous to other motorists.
Be a Responsible Rider
A responsible motorcycle rider knows the traffic laws, and never takes illogical risks. Don’t ride as fast as they were in Mission Impossible 6 – 180 mph is obscene. You should obey speed limits, traffic lights, other signs, and lane markings. Always ride your bike with the traffic flow and allow adequate room between your motorcycle and other vehicles. Before changing lanes, always signal as well as check behind you. Make sure to ride defensively.
A large number of motorcycle crashes occur because other motorists simply did not see the motorcycle rider. Exercise more caution at intersections and make sure to yield to other vehicles and pedestrians as appropriate. Apply reflective stickers on your motorcycle to increase visibility and always keep your bike’s headlights on.
Stay Free of Alcohol and Drugs
Drugs, alcohol, and even some prescription medications may adversely impact your balance, coordination, judgment, and throttle control. Your alertness gets impaired with these substances, and your reaction time becomes slower. Therefore, always make sure that you are completely free of alcohol and drugs when you prepare to ride your motorcycle.
More from Ed Smith, Sacramento Motorcycle Accident Attorney:
- The Unique Risks of Motorcycle Riding
- California Insurance Requirements For Motorcycles
- Motorcycle Accident Claims
Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Sacramento
I’m Edward Smith, and I’m a Sacramento Motorcycle Accident Attorney. Motorcycle crashes can cause traumatic injuries or even death. If you or a member of your family was injured in an collision caused by someone else’s negligence, I am here to help. Please call me today at (916) 921-6400 or toll-free at (800) 404-5400 for friendly and free advice with no obligation. You may also be contact me through my website, AutoAccident.com.
I have worked to help injured people and their families recover from many kinds of personal injuries, including wrongful death, since 1982. Some of my past client’s reviews are posted online to: Yelp, Google and Avvo.
I am honored to be recognized by the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, an association for trial attorneys with million-dollar winnings for their clients.
Summaries of my successful Verdicts and Settlements are available on my website for your review.
