Who doesn’t love the thrill riding a motorcycle gives? The wind in your hair, the fresh air in your face, and the sun on your skin make for an exciting afternoon for millions of motorcycle enthusiasts each day. But that joy can quickly turn to horror if you don’t take proper precautions to make sure your time on the motorcycle is safe.
Motorcyclists have to deal with car drivers not respecting the rules of the road every day they take their bike out, but when you add in that some motorcyclists may not take safety precautions when on the roadway, the combination of carelessness and recklessness can be deadly.
Motorcycle Accident Statistics
Before getting into motorcycle safety tips, let’s take a look at some numbers that can’t be ignored. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
- Motorcyclists are 6 times more likely to be injured in an accident compared to other vehicles
- Motorcyclists are 27 times more likely to die in an accident compared to other drivers
- 43% of motorcyclists involved in a fatal collision were under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- There were a staggering 5,286 motorcycle accident deaths in 2016, alone, which is the most fatalities since in any year since 2008.
Motorcycle Safety Tips
By practicing some simple safety tips, you can increase your chances of having a safe ride free of accidents or injuries, and increase your chances of arriving back home safe, sound and in one piece.
- Take a motorcycle-riding course: Even if the state in which you live does not require a motorcycle-driving course, you should take it anyway to learn how to properly ride and maintain a motorcycle.
- Practice riding: Practice riding for several days or weeks before going out on the open road where other drivers may make you nervous. Every motorcycle handles differently and should only ride a bike you’re experienced with.
- Check your bike’s condition before riding: If you own a motorcycle, you should understand its working parts and know how to properly maintain your bike. Before each ride, you must check the tire pressure, and check the brakes, lights, and signals. You should also look under the bike for any signs of leaks; make sure the bike feels right to you at slower speeds before going out on highway.
- Wear proper gear riding gear: Even if helmets are not required in the state you’re in, wear one anyway, and have your passenger wear one, also. Make sure your helmet meets the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218 standards, and wear protective clothing to cover any exposed skin.
- Don’t drink and drive: Need we say more?
- Don’t use your cell phone: What would be more horrifying than seeing someone on a motorcycle with one hand on the handle bar and one hand on a cell phone?
If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident and have been injured through no fault of your own, please contact an experienced motorcycle accident attorney in your area today to schedule a free consultation.