Motorcycle Safety Tips

Motorcycle riding is truly an exhilarating and adventurous experience. However, the flip side of it is that it can be dangerous as well. According to the US Department of Transportation, 5,029 motorcycle fatalities were reported in 2016, depicting a 5.1 percent increase from 2015. These statistics indicate how common motorcycle accidents are in the country. However, you can significantly lower the risk of motorcycle accidents by taking certain precautions and safety measures. Continue reading to learn the most effective motorcycle safety tips, which have been compiled by our experienced auto accident lawyer in Pennsylvania:

Tip #1: Don’t Buy a Motorcycle That You Cannot Control or Handle

When buying a motorcycle, you should make sure that it is easy to handle and control. Even motorcycles with small displacement engines today are notably faster and more powerful than they were a decade ago. Therefore, it is advisable to do some legwork and research the market before you invest in one. When shopping for a motorcycle, select one that fits you. For example, make sure that you are able to rest both of your feet flat on the ground so that you don’t have to tiptoe when riding the bike. Select a motorcycle that is easy for you to get on and off.

Also, for first-time bike riders, it is better to choose a smaller model with 250 or 300cc as it’s easier to control than the larger models. However, if you’re planning to ride frequently on highways, then you might want to invest in a bike within the 500 to 750cc range so that you can keep up with the traffic easily.

Tip #2: Invest in and Wear the Right Gear

Riding a motorcycle in shorts and flips flops may be comfortable, but it is not safe. According to our qualified and experienced auto accident lawyer in Pennsylvania, it is important that you invest in and wear the right gear before you hit the road.

Since motorcycles lack a solid metal exterior like cars, you need to wear the right gear to keep yourself safe on the road. For example, by covering your body up with leather gear and wearing a helmet on the head, you can significantly minimize the risk of head injuries and bone fractures, if you happen to slide along the road after an accident. In fact, according  to the IHS (Institute for Highway Safety), helmets have a 37 percent effectiveness rate in minimizing fatalities in motorcycle accidents, as well as 67 percent effectiveness rate in reducing brain injuries.

In addition to this, a vented motorcycle jacket can also be quite useful. It is made from a breathable and lightweight material with heavy-duty amour panels in the right places, such as the spine, elbows, shoulders and torso, which also provide adequate protection in case of a collision. In other words, wearing the right gear can make all the difference if you fall off the bike.

Tip #3: Inspect Your Motorcycle before Each Ride

Always inspect your motorcycle before riding it. It is one of the best ways to stay safe as it can help you to identify and detect mechanical issues, which can pose safety risks. When you are inspecting your motorcycle, here’s what you need to do. Make sure to check:

• If the brakes are functioning properly
• For signs of worn out tires, such as low pressure, bulges and cracks
• For oil and gas leakage
• Hydraulics and coolant fluids
• If the tire pressure is at a safe level
• That there’s no muck on the mirrors as it can obstruct your view

That the bike’s signals, horn, clutch, throttle and head and taillights are working properly

Tip #4: Hone Your Skills by Taking a Safety Course

Another practical way to stay safe on the road when riding a motorcycle is to hone your skills by taking a safety course. A bike riding course can improve your motorcycle riding skills, especially if you’re riding it for the first time. Also, it can prepare you better to make emergency maneuvers when necessary.

These safety courses are also designed to:

• Educate motorcyclists about the traffic laws that apply to motorcycles in Pennsylvania
• Teach motorcyclists how to react in emergency situations
• Help develop an individual’s riding techniques to sharpen their street riding strategies

Tip #5: Obey the Traffic Rules

Statistics by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reveal that many motorcyclists lose their precious lives because of speeding. Therefore, if you want to stay safe on the road while riding your motorcycle, it is important that you follow and abide by the traffic rules. Make sure to use signals and drive at the posted speed limit to avoid collisions.

Tip #6: Ride Only When Sober

Nearly 25 percent of motorbike riders deaths in 2016 in motorcycle crashes across the US were the result of drunk driving. So, our auto accident lawyer in Pennsylvania suggests riders avoid riding their bike when drunk. You must only saddle up if you’re sober. This is important because alcohol can negatively impact your judgment, throttle control, coordination and your ability to pull the brakes. Also, the high level of blood alcohol content can impair riders by lowering their alertness and reaction time, thereby increasing the chances of collisions and accidents.

Despite taking the precautionary measures mentioned above, if you were injured in a motorcycle accident due to the negligence of another party, then contact our experienced auto accident lawyer in Pennsylvania today. We can sit with you and discuss your legal options. Our lawyer will provide you with step-by-step legal assistance to make sure that you get rightfully compensated for the injuries and losses you sustained in the accident. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation. Let us help you fight for your rights and justice.