May is motorcycle safety month. Do you know how to protect yourself in the case of a motorcycle accident? Now is a great time to look at your habits, consider your health and well-being, and take steps to keep yourself safe.
Basic Safety Guidelines
Safety on a motorcycle starts before you ever get on the bike, with a solid commitment to safety equipment. Even when not required, it is best to wear a motorcycle helmet, and even in states where a windshield is sufficient, it is always a good idea to have eye protection as well.
In addition to head and eye protection, smart bikers wear leathers, boots, chaps, jackets, gloves, and extra padding or layers to help protect against impact and road rash. Wearing sufficient safety gear is the first step to keeping yourself safe while on your motorcycle.
Once adequately geared up, ensure your machine is in proper working order. Check brakes, all lights and signals, tire pressure, footrests, and parts like mirrors to make sure everything is set for the ride. Keep your motorcycle in peak maintenance to help prevent unforeseen issues.
After you and your bike are ready for the road, the only thing left is safely navigating the streets – which takes attention. You can help to prevent causing an accident by:
- Avoiding all forms of distraction
- Remaining sober at all times
- Allowing a two to three-car gap between your front tire and the car in front of you
- Signaling your intent and following the flow of traffic
- Obeying traffic signs and signals
- Driving defensively
You must know the laws in each state you ride as well. For example, it is legal to lane share in some states, but only in some. Likewise, lane splitting is permitted in certain states, but illegal even in neighboring states. Knowing the laws in each state helps to ensure you also know what the drivers of larger vehicles expect when sharing the road with motorcycles, making it safer and more enjoyable for everyone.
If you are injured while riding your motorcycle, it is crucial to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Please use our lawyer locator to find one in your area and schedule a free case review today.
