Road Safety Tips to Avoid a Motorcycle Accident
“I should buy myself a motorcycle.”
This is something that the average car driver might have thought of at least once in their life. And, there’s good reason for that.
Motorcycles offer a level of freedom that no other motor vehicle can come close to. They allow the rider to take the road less traveled, literally.
Now all this might sound just too good to be true.
That’s because it is.
Just like other drivers, motorcyclists are vulnerable to accidents. In fact, motorcyclists are even more vulnerable to accidents than the average car driver.
If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, then know that there’s help available. The motorcycle accident attorneys at The Bruning Law Firm and other top law firms help accident victims through the complicated legal process, winning fair compensation for their losses.
Although accidents are unavoidable to some extent, there are some tips motorcyclists can consider to avoid them. The sections below touch on this topic.
Essential Tips to Avoid Becoming a Motorcycle Accident Statistic
Avoiding a motorcycle accident isn’t rocket science. Some basic tips can get you from point A to point B without much fuss. Here are some tips to consider.
Never Ride Drunk
A drink or two once in a while is never a bad thing. But the same cannot be said if you plan to ride a motorcycle after getting drunk.
The average rider needs coordination, proper decision-making skills, and balance to operate a motorcycle. Alcohol has a negative effect on all this. Even the most experienced riders succumb to the effects of alcohol.
If you plan to ride your motorcycle after getting drunk, you’re pretty much signing your (or some poor soul’s) death warrant.
Never Ride Distracted
Technology is everywhere. You can hardly spot a person on the street who is not busy on some kind of technology.
Sadly, this overdependence on technology is detrimental to a motorcyclist.
Any focus on technology, be it the GPS or listening to music, ends up in disaster. Some even go the extra mile and answer calls while riding. This is dangerous, as the rider’s entire focus is on the call and the topic being discussed. This, in turn, can lead to accidents.
Never Violate Road Rules
Road rules are there for a reason; to ensure motorists have a safe and convenient journey. These rules are violated for a variety of reasons, some of which include
* Being late for an appointment
* The thrill of violating a law
* Peer pressure
* Operating a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or banned substances
Being involved in an accident isn’t the only thing a motorcyclist has to worry about. There are legal consequences to violating road laws. These consequences can range from penalties to license suspension or revocation, if the individual is a repeat offender.
Never Operate a Poorly-Maintained Motorcycle
Maintenance is an important part of owning a vehicle. You can’t just refuel your motorcycle and just ride it forever. Parts wear out, some fail, and dust and other grime build up. It is the responsibility of the owner to keep their vehicle in top condition. A well-maintained vehicle serves its owner very well.
Riding a poorly maintained vehicle has its drawbacks.
Imagine speeding down the freeway, only to realize that your brake pads are worn out or brake cables are cut. This scenario rarely ends well.
This is why it is recommended to have a periodic maintenance routine. This allows motorcyclists to catch issues early on and avoid bigger, more expensive problems down the line.
Final Thoughts
Riding a motorcycle is a lot of fun, but it also comes with its fair share of responsibilities. Motorcyclists are third in terms of vulnerability on the road (right after pedestrians and bicyclists). It is important for riders to keep this in mind and ride responsibly.
After all, no one likes becoming an accident statistic.