Extra Precautions That Motorcyclists Must Take Each Time They Ride

Motorcycles are immensely popular in the United States. They achieve better fuel economy, are easier to park, and cost less than a typical four-wheeled automobile. These advantages have caused a surge in motorcycle ownership that is pushing toward the 9 million mark.

Everyone knows that no matter what type of vehicle you drive or where you’re driving, you must be acutely aware of everything going on around you at any given time. The slightest misstep and you could inadvertently get hurt in an accident, or even worse.

But as a motorcyclist, you are greeted with specific issues that require you to often be more attentive and aware of your surroundings than a “cager” (for any automobile drivers out there, that’s a somewhat well-known term for a motorcyclist’s four-wheeled compadres on the road). The truth of the matter is that motorcycles are smaller, harder to see, and sometimes more prone to accidents when precautions aren’t taken.

That’s why we’re here today — to talk about the extra precautions that motorcyclists need to take in order to stay safe on the road. Follow these tips and you will greatly reduce your chances of an accident:

Know Your Bike

Many motorcycles have little weight to them and carry a great deal of power. There are also design variations that influence how they handle in turns, while changing lanes, etc. These differences make it imperative that you know how your bike is going to react to every movement, every acceleration, and every braking situation. If you’re riding a new bike and are still in the “learning curve” phase, be sure that you’re especially careful. This alone will go a long way to ensuring proper safety.

Assume Other Drivers Aren’t Paying Attention

The majority of vehicles on the road are cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, semis, and similar types. Although motorcycles are a daily occurrence, they’re also still a bit of a novelty to many drivers. Even the most attentive driver can lose focus from time to time, and this is especially true when confronted with a motorist driving by on a vehicle that is a fraction of the size they’re accustomed to. The best course of action is to assume that a fellow driver is not paying close attention, even when they appear to be. This will greatly decrease your chances at being hit because a driver didn’t see you on the road.

Wear Reflective Clothing

As any biker knows, motorcycles are much smaller than automobiles, so they’re more difficult to see. Just like driving a car, you don’t want to rely on other drivers to keep you safe. This is your responsibility, first and foremost, and one thing you can do to lessen your likelihood of an accident is to wear reflective clothing. This will make you easier to spot on the road, especially at night and at high speeds on the freeway. The more visible you are, the better off you’ll be.

Inspect Your Motorcycle

A motorcycle is just like any other vehicle out on the road — it requires regular maintenance and care to stay in tip-top shape. Before you hit the road, perform a quick once-over to make sure everything is running smoothly. Take a look at your tire pressure, check your mirrors, make sure your lights are properly functioning, and be aware of any leaks. These simple things can go a long way to keeping you safe.

Are you looking for more ways to stay safe on the street? Or have you experienced a legal issue that requires the services of an attorney that will fight for you and your loved ones? Give Mintz Law Firm a call today and we’ll get started on your case immediately!