Five Tips to Prevent Motorcycle Accidents

When you’re riding a motorcycle, it’s important to think about motorcycle safety. Every year, thousands of Americans are severely injured in motorcycle accidents that are largely preventable. By following the steps outlined below, you can help to protect yourself when riding your motorcycle and other drivers with whom you share the road.

Stay Alert

Maintaining your focus is important. There are many factors that might take your focus off the road. It’s important to be well-rested when you drive, as drowsy or sleepy driving can be dangerous and cause serious accidents. Be attuned to your surroundings so you can anticipate when a driver in the next lane doesn’t see you and may swerve into your lane without signaling.

In addition to these precautions, you should keep on the lookout for potential exterior hazards. Factors like roadside construction, weather conditions, and nearby accidents can all pose a threat to any motorcyclist who isn’t alert.

If you have pressing questions about a motorcycle accident you were involved us, contact us today to discuss your case. We can advise you on how to protect your rights and seek full and fair compensation for injuries sustained during common types of motorcycle accidents.

Be Aware of Weather Conditions

In addition to remaining aware of potential distractions on the road, you should also pay attention to weather conditions. Heavy precipitation, whether rainfall or snowfall, can be extremely dangerous, as increased rainfall and increased snowfall can cause your motorcycle to spin out. In addition to precipitation, freezing temperatures can create black ice and icy patches on the road, increasing the risk of hydroplaning and losing the ability to steer.

Other potentially hazardous weather conditions include strong winds, which can cause your bike to drift if you are not careful, and extreme heat, which can have detrimental effects on your engine and transmission.

Practice Safe Riding Behavior

On the road, it’s critical that you practice safe riding habits, and the hope is that everyone else drives safely, as well. However, human nature prevails, and sometimes, you may find yourself sharing the road with an unruly driver.

Driving recklessly puts all the motorists on the road at risk. If you see someone engaging in reckless driving, keep as much distance between them and yourself as possible. Examples of reckless driving include:

• Speeding
• Weaving between vehicles
• Failing to stop at stop signs
• Failing to obey traffic lights
• Extreme road rage
• Distracted driving
• Drunk/drugged driving

Another component of safe riding is to be sure you’re obvious to other drivers. Wear bright or reflective colors, and be sure your headlight is always turned on.

Don’t Drive Under the Influence

While you assume some level of risk every time you take your bike on the road, you significantly increase your chances of being involved in a serious accident when you ride under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol. Not only does this put you and those around you in a hazardous situation, but driving under the influence is against the law.

Drugs and alcohol can slow your reaction time, making it more difficult for you to swerve or brake if you should encounter something on the road. In addition to this, driving drunk and/or drugged can blur your vision and impair your judgment. All of these factors make it difficult for a motorcyclist to practice safe driving habits and to avoid harm.

Keep Your Bike Properly Maintained

Experiencing a vehicle malfunction or breakdown on the highway can be very dangerous for motorcyclists, as such circumstances can make you vulnerable to oncoming traffic. Motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles on the road and are more difficult to see when they’re pulled onto the shoulder, especially if there’s inclement weather of any type.

To avoid these situations, you should do everything to keep your vehicle properly maintained. A few steps you can do to ensure this include:

• Refueling when necessary
• Regularly checking tire pressure and tread depth
• Check your oil regularly and top off if necessary
• Make sure all your lights and signals are working properly
• Check your battery and cables for loose connections or corrosion
• Check your brake pads and brake fluid regularly
• Check your fuel filter, oil filter, and air filter regularly

By making sure your bike is in working condition, you are protecting yourself and other motorists from potentially hazardous situations.

Need Help? Give Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. a Call Today

If you’ve been involved in an accident that wasn’t your fault while you were riding your motorcycle, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses. Fortunately, the Georgia motor vehicle accident attorneys of Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. are ready to help. For years, we’ve protected the rights of those who have been injured in motorcycle crashes.

If you’re ready to pursue compensation, call Jonathan R. Brockman, P.C. today at (770) 205-8827. We’ll schedule a free confidential consultation so that you can speak with one of our attorneys and determine the best course of action for your circumstances.