Motorcycle riding can be an enjoyable way to travel and experience the open road, but it also comes with unique risks. Motorcyclists have less protection than people traveling in passenger vehicles, which means a crash can result in serious or life-changing injuries. Although riders cannot control the actions of other motorists, they can learn how to prevent motorcycle accidents to ensure rider safety.
Attorney Caleb Fleschner says, “Motorcyclists have to be especially aware of their surroundings because they don’t have the same protection that someone inside a passenger vehicle has. Defensive riding, proper protective gear, and making sure other drivers can see you can all make a meaningful difference.” Here are some important ways motorcyclists can reduce their risk of a crash.
One of the best ways to improve your riding skills and prevent accidents is to complete a motorcycle safety course. These courses can teach riders how to handle common hazards, respond to emergencies, and operate their motorcycles safely in different situations.
Safety courses can be particularly beneficial for newer riders, but experienced motorcyclists may also learn techniques that can help them respond to unexpected road conditions. Riders should also make sure they have the appropriate motorcycle license or endorsement required by their state.
Alcohol and drugs can significantly impair reaction time, coordination, judgment, and decision-making.
Never operate a motorcycle while impaired to prevent crashes and ensure you stay safe as a rider. If you’ve been drinking or using a substance that affects your ability to drive safely, find another way home.
A motorcycle offers considerably less protection than a passenger vehicle, making protective gear especially important to ensuring rider safety in the event of a crash. Riders should consider wearing:
A helmet is particularly important because it can reduce the risk of serious head and brain injuries in a crash.
One of the biggest challenges motorcyclists face is being seen by other drivers, and this is an important part of rider safety measures. Whenever possible, you should:
Never assume that another driver sees you simply because you can see them.
Defensive motorcycle riding that prevents accidents means anticipating what other drivers might do rather than assuming everyone will follow the rules. Watch for drivers who may:
Leave enough space to react if another driver makes an unexpected move.
Intersections can be particularly dangerous for motorcyclists because drivers may fail to notice an approaching motorcycle or misjudge its speed and distance.
To help prevent crashes and ride more safely, you should approach intersections cautiously, watch for vehicles turning across your path, and be prepared to react if another driver fails to yield.
Rain, snow, ice, strong winds, and wet or uneven pavement can make motorcycle riding significantly more dangerous.
When conditions are poor, consider postponing your trip if possible. If you must ride, reduce your speed and increase your following distance. Also watch for road hazards such as:
These hazards can be much more difficult for a motorcyclist to navigate safely and avoid an accident than for someone driving a passenger vehicle.
Speed can reduce the amount of time a rider has to react to an unexpected hazard. It can also increase the severity of injuries when a motorcycle crash occurs, so you also need to take extra safety precautions around other speeding drivers.
Follow posted speed limits and adjust your speed based on traffic, weather, visibility, and road conditions.
Even careful motorcycle riders can be injured because of another driver’s negligence. If you are involved in a crash, call emergency services when appropriate and seek medical attention for your injuries. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, so don’t assume you’re fine simply because you feel okay immediately after the crash.
If you are able to do so safely, document the scene by taking photographs of the vehicles, roadway, traffic signals, visible injuries, and other relevant conditions. Obtain contact information for witnesses and exchange information with the other driver. It is also important to preserve medical records and other documentation related to the crash.
Motorcycle safety begins before you ever start your engine. Proper training, protective equipment, defensive riding, and awareness of surrounding traffic can all help reduce the risk of a serious crash. Unfortunately, even when you learn how to prevent motorcycle accidents to ensure rider safety, you cannot control another driver’s decisions.
If you were injured in a motorcycle accident because of another person’s negligence, you may have the right to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
At Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin, our experienced Indiana motorcycle accident attorneys understand the serious consequences that motorcycle crashes can have on injured riders and their families. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about your legal options.
Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin
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The financial burden that often comes with a serious injury can be too much for many people to bear. Unexpected medical debt, damaged personal property, and the sudden loss of income can impact the budgets of most families. The good news is that a successful injury claim could help reduce that financial strain after a serious accident. Get in touch with a Terre Haute personal injury lawyer with Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin to learn more.
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