Summer is finally approaching and many people are getting their motorcycles ready for summer lives. At Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas we hope everyone has a good time – and we also hope everyone stays safe. That is why we have created a list of five tips that can help you avoid being involved in a motorcycle accident this summer.
- Wear the Right Gear
- Be Aware of the Weather
- Inspect Your Bike
- Ride Defensively
- Keep an Eye Out for Road Hazards
You know to wear a helmet so that if you are in an accident, you greatly reduce the chances that you will die in a motorcycle accident. However, many motorcyclists do not think about how their gear can affect their chances of being in an accident in the first place. For example, do not wear pants with loose-fitting legs as these can become stuck in the machinery and cause an accident. Googles can help ensure that you can see at all times.
Before you take off, take a quick check to see what the weather is going to be like. If there is going to be rain, strong winds, or other potential issues, then consider another type of transportation. Not only is rain unpleasant to ride in, but it can reduce your visibility significantly and make it harder for you to stop. Wind can be just as dangerous as it can push your bike out of your lane.
It is wise to get into the habit of inspecting your motorcycle on a regular basis. Check the tires to ensure proper air flow, check for leaking oil or gas, and test your lights to make sure they are working well. If your lights are not working then you should not drive your bike. Even if you only ride during daylight, a rainstorm can come out of nowhere and without lights, it may be hard for other motorists to see you.
It is an unfortunate fact that many people confuse defensive driving with aggressive driving. They are very different things. Defensive driving is thinking quickly and acting accordingly to lower the risk of an accident. As a motorcycle rider, it is essential that you are always aware of what other drivers are doing so that you can act accordingly if they change lanes, stop abruptly, etc.
Your focus should always be on the road in front of you to look for potential hazards. A car can drive over a pothole, debris, or a bump in the road with no problem but on a motorcycle, this could result in loss of control and a serious accident. If you see a road hazard, move out of the way to avoid contact. If you have no choice but to hit it, then reduce your speed as much as possible to lower the impact.
