Motorcycle Accident Safety Tips
If you’re a motorcycle driver, there are some basic rules of road safety that can help you avoid accidents on the road. You’ll want to wear a helmet, avoid congested traffic, and drive carefully. Here are some tips to avoid the most common motorcycle accidents. Remember: You can’t predict every accident, so be prepared for the worst. Fortunately, there are some common sense ways to stay safe. Consider the advice below.
Wearing a helmet
While the CDC recommends that motorcyclists wear motorcycle helmets to prevent lower extremity and brain injuries, the use of a protective headgear significantly reduces the chance of injury to the rider. Research shows that the use of a motorcycle helmet reduces the risk of death and serious head injuries by more than 37%. Helmet use is also associated with a decreased risk of traumatic brain injury. When a motorcycle crash is caused by a blunt force, the brain is affected and the impact can cause damage to the brain tissue, blood vessels, nerves, and even the spinal cord.
Riding off the road
Riding off the road for motorcycle accident safety means slowing down when you see a car waiting to make a turn. Taking the right side of the road or merging into the shoulder can help prevent a head-on collision. It also means observing the road for any hazards and road signs. These are all great ways to protect yourself from an accident. Riding off the road can also help you stay out of the path of a distracted driver.
Avoiding congested traffic
While riding a motorcycle, you should avoid being in the blind spots of other drivers. Many motorcycle drivers will not look for the motorcycle in front of them before exiting the vehicle. Another way to avoid being rear-ended by a car is to check your mirrors often at traffic light stops. When in doubt, flash your brake light. In a bad weather, double this distance. By following these tips, you can avoid motorcycle accidents and have a safe journey.
Avoiding distracted driving
Among the most common causes of motorcycle accidents, distracted driving can put riders at risk. Approximately 40% of motorcycle accidents are the result of a driver’s inability to see a motorcycle. Because distracted drivers are unaware of their surroundings, they cannot make reasonable safety precautions. Fortunately, there are some simple steps that motorcyclists can take to reduce their risk of being involved in a motorcycle accident. These steps can help motorcycle riders stay safe and prevent injuries.
Maintaining your motorcycle
There are a number of important maintenance tips for motorcycle safety. Checking the tires for blowouts, checking the brakes and clutch, and checking the fluid levels in the motorcycle are all essential maintenance procedures. A recent study found that nearly 28% of fatal motorcycle accidents involved someone who was drunk. Checking all these items will help keep you and other motorists safe on the road. Read on to learn more about motorcycle safety.