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These 9 safety tips can help prevent motorcycle accidents and injuries

9 Tips for Motorcycle Safety Awareness MonthDid you know that May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month? This event is designed to encourage all drivers and motorcyclists to share the road with each other.

It seems motorcycle safety awareness have been paying off, judging by the latest available data. In 2014, there were 4,586 fatal motorcycle accidents, compared to 4,692 in 2013. This represents a 2.3 percent decrease. Motorcycle accident injuries also decreased in 2014. There were 93,000 motorcycle accident injuries in 2013 and just 88,000 in 2014—a 5.4 percent decrease.

Motorcyclists can help continue this trend of decreasing motorcycle accident injuries and fatalities by following these 9 safety tips.

  1. Always wear a helmet. A helmet is absolutely crucial for preventing brain injuries in the event of a motorcycle accident. For the best protection, choose a Department of Transportation-approved helmet with a face shield or protective eyewear.
  2. Wear protective clothing. Wearing leather is more than a fashion statement it is actually important for safety because leather jackets, pants, and boots help protect against severe abrasion injuries if you ever fall off or get knocked off your bike.
  3. Take a motorcycle safety course. You can sharpen your riding skills and learn a thing or two about safe driving with a motorcycle safety course. Check with your insurance provider first some companies offer discounts for completing approved courses.
  4. Keep your bike in shape. You need your motorcycle in top working condition if you want to have the control needed to avoid an accident. Keep your tires inflated at the right pressure and always be sure your lights and brakes work properly.
  5. Obey the rules of the road. Just like any driver, motorcyclists need to obey the rules of the road. Speeding, passing on the right, or changing lanes without signaling are all possible ways to cause an accident and get hurt.
  6. Practice defensive riding. Because many truck and car drivers are not looking out for motorcyclists like they should, bikers need to be especially careful to ride defensively.
  7. Avoid blind spots. The only time you should ever ride in another vehicle’s blind spot is while passing. Be sure you are passing at a good speed to minimize the time spent in this dangerous position.
  8. Be alert for road hazards. If you are not paying attention to the road, you could easily hit a pothole, oil slick, bump, or piece of debris that could cause you to lose control or even have an accident.
  9. Do not drink and ride. Riding a motorcycle requires even better reflexes than driving a car. You definitely cannot afford to be impaired by alcohol while on your bike.

Have You Been Hurt in a Motorcycle Accident?

No matter how careful you are to drive safely, you could be injured through the reckless or negligent actions of another person. If this happens, you should immediately contact an experienced motorcycle accident injury attorney like Fernando D. Vargas for help seeking the compensation you deserve. Call 909-982-0707 now for a free case evaluation.