How To Avoid A Motorcycle Accident

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There are several reasons why riding motorcycles are more dangerous than driving a car.

Motorcycles put you at a much higher risk of being involved in a crash that results in severe injuries and even death.

Motorcycle riders are at a greater risk of being in an accident because even the smallest obstacles like a leaf, wet pavement, or a patch of sand can cause an accident.

Motorcycles are also more challenging to see than passenger vehicles, and drivers often aren’t looking for them, increasing the risk of a fatal motorcycle accident.

Fortunately, bikes also give you the best possible tools to avoid crashing.

They have incredibly powerful brakes, obstruction-free vision, excellent handling, and excellent tires.

Still, motorcycle accidents are dangerous, often fatal, and sometimes difficult to avoid.

One of the best ways to remain safe while operating a motorcycle is to stay up to date on motorcycle safety and be aware of avoiding motorcycle accidents. 

If you have been in a motorcycle accident, it’s important to contact an Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer to weigh your legal options.

In the article below, we will go over a few tips to help reduce the risk of a crash.

 

 

Slow Down

No matter what you’re driving, the faster you go, the less time you have to react to your surroundings and potential hazards.

Reaction times are especially important when you’re on a motorcycle.

Speeding can make it difficult to see an upcoming turn, so you enter the turn going too fast.

If you hit your brakes too hard, you might fly over the handlebars.

If you try to ride through the corner, you could turn too hard, and your bike could slide out from under you.

That’s why you should always obey speed limits and travel at speeds that allow you to use fixed objects like telephone poles to judge a road’s direction.

And you should never travel at speeds that give you little time to react to road hazards.

One second could be the difference between maneuvering around a gap in the pavement or having an accident.

And if there is any rain or other inclement weather, you need to slow down even more because inclement weather puts you at a greater risk of a crash.

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Be Aware of Your Surroundings

A common reason for several common types of motorcycle accidents is motorcyclists not paying attention.

This is mainly out of habit.

No matter how long you’ve been riding, you need to remember that you are operating a heavy piece of machinery surrounded by other people doing the same.

Pay attention to everything around you, including but not limited to other drivers, road conditions, road hazards, and other factors that could negatively affect your driving experience.

Assume No One Can See You

When you’re on your bike, it’s best to assume you’re invisible.

Riding a motorcycle makes you much less viewable than if you were in another type of motor vehicle.

Many motorcyclists end up in blind spots, and other drivers subconsciously pay more attention to passenger cars and trucks on the road than motorcycles.

Many common motorcycle accidents are caused because other drivers don’t see the motorcycle even though the motorcyclist was nearby for miles.

It’s in your best interest to believe that there’s not a single car on the road that can see you.

Perform Basic Preventive Maintenance

Most motorcycle owners know that if you own a motorcycle, there’s regular maintenance you have to perform on the bike.

Most motorcyclists perform maintenance so the motorcycle will last longer and won’t leave you stranded.

But essential maintenance can prevent a potential accident.

For example, changing the oil is essential for engine health.

If you don’t change your oil, you are risking the engine overheating and seizing altogether.

That’s an expensive fix, and it can be hazardous if you’re out for a ride and your bike comes to an abrupt stop on the freeway.

Taking care of your tires is another type of basic maintenance.

Your tires are the only thing between your bike and the road.

You could be thrown off your bike if a tire blows out while riding.

And if your chain is neglected, it can jam up the sprockets and cause you to come to a complete stop in the middle of the road.

Always Wear A Helmet And Protective Gear

No matter what type of accident you’re in on your motorcycle, you will always be better off if you have on your helmet and other protective gear.

This probably seems obvious for some riders, but it’s not uncommon for riders to avoid wearing motorcycle helmets and gear.

Some motorcyclists don’t like the weight of the helmet during a long ride. 

Others just think helmets are uncomfortable, don’t like their look, or don’t want to foot the expense.

However, the chances of a motorcycle accident causing severe injury or death increase substantially if you don’t wear your helmet.

Helmets reduce your risk for a fatal motorcycle accident by 37% and serious injury by 69%.

Wearing other protective gear also lessens your risk of experiencing a severe or fatal injury in an accident.

Reflective jackets make you easier to spot for other drivers on the road, and protective pads help protect against injury.

Deal With Common Road Hazards

As a motorcyclist, you will encounter road hazards quite often.

Whether it’s train tracks, wet pavement, potholes, leaves, or blown-out tires, you need to know what to do to maneuver around these hazards without being involved in an accident.

Fortunately, there are strategies for braking and maneuvering that you can learn so you can use them when the moment arrives.

Taking a motorcycle driving course will equip you with strategies to deal with some of the common hazards you will encounter.

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Don’t Drive Distracted

Everyone riding a motorcycle needs to pay attention while on the road for their safety and the safety of those around them.

Motorcyclists must take extra care and drive defensively.

Take extra caution when passing, keep a safe distance between you and the vehicles around you, and beware when other drivers are entering the road or turning in front of you.

You also need to keep an eye out for places in traffic where cars may pull illegal turning maneuvers or dart in and out of traffic in front of you.

Other drivers should make room for motorcyclists on the road and watch out for their safety as fellow citizens.

But you can’t assume they are going to do that.

So to decrease your chances of getting into a motorcycle accident, take the necessary steps to keep yourself and your passengers safe.

Consult The Motorcycle Accident Lawyers With The Mabra Law Firm

Motorcycle riding is an amazing but dangerous experience.

There are several types of motorcycle crashes you could be involved in, and almost all of them can result in serious injury.

That’s why it’s essential to do all you can to avoid motorcycle accidents.

If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the accident’s damages, including property damage, medical expenses, and emotional damages.

The motorcycle crash lawyers at The Mabra Law Firm will work closely with you to ensure you receive fair compensation for your accident.

If you’re ready to schedule your Free Consultation with a personal injury lawyer at The Mabra Law Firm, click the button below.