Motorcycle riding is very popular and can be a fun and exciting activity. However, with riding come risks. The best possible outcome for a rider is to avoid ever being in an accident. The best way to maximize that outcome is to practice safe motorcycle riding. It takes a combination of balance, coordination, and good judgment to ride safely. It also takes a road-ready bike equipped with properly pressurized tires and good brakes. In addition, safe riding requires proper attire to mitigate injury in the event of a crash. The following are tips to make sure your riding is as safe as possible.
Riding Skills
Riding a motorcycle requires keen awareness of the conditions of the road and surrounding traffic. There will be times when an unexpected road condition or sudden maneuver by a nearby vehicle requires an immediate response to stay out of harm’s way. The best way to hone riding skills is through practice in a controlled environment with skilled instructors.
Driving defensively involves having the ability to anticipate possible accidents and ways to avoid them while riding. A recent study by the Center for Urban Transportation Research at the University of South Florida found that a majority (greater than 60 percent) of collisions involving a motorcycle and a car were the fault of the car driver. The chance of being in one of those collisions is reduced by practicing defensive driving.
It should go without saying that no one should get on a motorcycle if they have had alcohol to drink. There is so little margin for error that even a slight decline in reaction time and balance is dangerous. Yet, a recent survey by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that among fatal motorcycle accidents, 25 percent involved riders with a blood alcohol content of greater than 0.08 g/dL.
Protective Gear
It is vitally important to wear appropriate riding gear. As a minimum, choose a DOT and/or Snell-rated helmet. In states where mandatory helmet rules have been revoked, the rate of serious head injuries from motorcycle accidents has increased. Other gear to consider includes leather jackets, gloves, and boots covering the ankle.
Proper Maintenance
A few precautions can go a long way in terms of safety. Without enough tire pressure, bike handling can get sluggish. If brakes are worn, they will also function poorly. Take the time to check tire pressure and test brakes to ensure the bike will handle optimally.
Bike Features
When investing in a new bike, consider one with an anti-lock braking system (ABS). These come into play if a rider needs to stop suddenly. Without ABS, brakes can “lock”; and if this happens, steering function is lost. Studies have shown that motorcycles with ABS were 37 percent less likely to be involved in a fatal crash compared to motorcycles without this feature. ABS costs only a few hundred dollars more than ordinary brakes and is a worthwhile investment.
Towson Personal Injury Lawyers at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC Recover Compensation for Injured Motorcycle Accident Victims
If you have been involved in a motorcycle or other vehicle accident, there is more to do than simply inform your insurance company. Reach out to an experienced Towson personal injury lawyer at Huesman, Jones & Miles, LLC before you accept an insurance company negotiated settlement to avoid foreclosing your ability to recover full compensation for losses and injuries you have experienced. Complete our online form or call 443-589-0150 to schedule a free initial consultation. Our offices in Towson and Hunt Valley enable us to represent clients throughout Baltimore County, Carroll County, Harford County, and Howard County, including the areas of Baltimore, Bel Air, Columbia, Westminster, Essex, Monkton, Sparks, Parkton, and Pikesville, Maryland.