As a motorcycle rider, you are likely already aware that most motorcycle accidents are the fault of auto drivers – not the fault of the motorcycle rider. However, this does not mean that you do not need to take steps to keep yourself safe. Keep reading to find out what steps you can take to reduce your risk of injury then contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 if you have taken these steps and been injured in an accident anyway.
Be Smart About Lane Splitting
It is legal in California for riders to lane split, which means riding on the dividing line of two parallel lanes going the same direction. However, there are best practices recommended by the California Highway Patrol, including not driving faster than is safe, not lane splitting in adverse traffic, and more. Lane splitting is actually safer than traditional riding in traffic – but only if done right.
Make Sure it is Clear Before any Left Turn
Believe it or not, 42% of accidents involving motorcycles and cars occur when a car is turning left into the path of an oncoming motorcyclist. This is according to stats from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration. That is a larger percentage of these accidents – and is especially harmful when you consider that when the motorcyclist is hit in the front, their danger is much greater. For this reason, everyone should pay closer attention when turning left.
Always Signal When Necessary
Proper signally is one of the most important rules drivers must follow – and one of the first they often forget when they are preoccupied or distracted. Any driver on the road should use signals, whether a motorcycle, truck, or car driver. However, keep in mind that simply signaling does not mean that you have the right of way.
In the event that your signal is broken or faulty, get it fixed as soon as possible. In the meantime, use hand signaling so that other vehicles on the road know what your intentions are. If you do not know these signals, look them up on the internet but remember that while many drivers know them, not all do – you should still proceed with extra caution.
Never Get Behind the Wheel if You Have Been Drinking
There are many reasons people get behind the wheel of their car or motorcycle after drinking. They may be “not going very far,” or they may not realize they are as inebriated as they are. They may have driven drunk dozens of times with no consequences and be convinced that this trend will continue. Driving while drunk not only raises your chance of being involved in an accident, it can lead to prison time, huge fines, and a permanent loss of your license.
If you are involved in a motorcycle accident, whether while on the motorcycle or in a car, contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 right away to find out how we can help you.
