There is a feeling you get when you drive a motorcycle that cannot be compared to any other form of transportation. Driving a motorcycle gives you a sense a freedom and independence every time you throw your leg over the bike, retract the kickstand, and pull out onto the road.
This feeling can quickly be negated, however, if a motorcycle accident occurs.
Motorcycle drivers involved in a car accident will always sustain more injuries and damage than those who were in the car. The motorcycle does not provide you with the same exterior protection that any other vehicle does, so these injuries are often catastrophic. Motorcyclists and passenger vehicle drivers must take precaution when sharing the road to help avoid this type of accidents.
How Motorcycle Drivers Can Remain Safe On the Road
When you decide to drive a motorcycle, there are several things you can do to protect yourself while on the road. Simple tips and tricks can make the difference between a great ride and a life changing accident.
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Buy The Right Bike
Make sure that you are riding a motorcycle that is meant for your body size. If you cannot place your feet firmly on the ground on both sides of the bike, your bike may be too large. If you have to drop down to sit on the motorcycle, or if the motorcycle squats when you sit down, the motorcycle may be too small. Selecting the right size bike is the first key to safety.
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Helmets Do Save Lives
Traumatic head or brain injuries are something people must live with for the rest of their lives. Even though some states have made motorcycle helmets optional, riding with a helmet on is one of the best ways that you can protect yourself on the road.
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Right Clothing
Long sleeved shirts and long pants should always be worn on a motorcycle. Boots or closed toes shoes are also recommended. In the event of an accident, these pieces of clothing are the best protection between you and the pavement.
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Check Equipment
Make sure that each and every time before you ride, you check your motorcycle. Do the headlight and tail lights work? Are your mirrors intact and the brakes working?
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Follow Road Rules
Avoid lane sharing, darting in and out of traffic, and riding down the emergency lane. Even though your vehicle is smaller and can easily maneuver these small spaces, they are still dangerous. Following road rules is crucial to motorcycle safety.
How Motorists Can Ride Safely with Motorcycles
Sharing the road with a motorcycle does not have to be a difficult task. However, passenger vehicle drivers do have an obligation to share the road with those driving motorcycles. The following tips can help make sharing the road much easier.
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Stay Focused
Many different studies have shown that distracted driving is the leading cause of motorcycle/passenger vehicle accidents cased by the passenger vehicle driver. Staying focused on the road will ensure that you see these smaller vehicles.
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Check Blind Spots
Always verify your blind spots before changing lanes or making a turn. Sometimes a motorcycle can be in the blind spot because of its size. Most motorcycles can be heard, however, if they cannot be seen – so always listed for motorcycles as well.
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Motorcycles Need Room
Do not ride too close to a motorcycle when you are next to it or if you are behind one. The air draft from your vehicle, especially if it is large, can throw the motorcyclist off balance and cause an accident.
When to Contact an Attorney
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you should speak with a personal injury attorney about your rights to file a personal injury claim. Motorcycle enthusiasts are entitled to the same type of compensation for their injuries and losses as those who were injured in a passenger vehicle.
Protect your rights as an injury victim and speak with an attorney who has the knowledge necessary to aggressively fight for your rights as a victim of a motorcycle accident.