Motorcycle Safety Tips to Help Prevent Accidents

Motorcycle insurance can be pricey for a reason – it’s a dangerous endeavor. While other drivers are responsible for looking out for motorcycles, motorcyclists can protect take steps to protect themselves as well. Consider some of these tips to prevent accidents the next time you plan on taking your motorcycle out for a spin.

Take Professional Training

This may sound obvious to some, but making sure you get proper training on your bike is crucial to ensuring safety for yourself and others on the road. Maybe you grew up around the bikes with family and think you know the ins and outs of your bike, however, it’s still smart to go through a professional course to cover any gaps you may have in your motorcycle education. Don’t assume you know it all. Even if the training ends up feeling redundant, you’ll have the peace of mind that you’ve taken the first step to being a safe biker.

Make Sure You’re Visible

One of the greatest risks you have riding in traffic is the chance that a car doesn’t see you coming. As much as you can, it’s important to make sure you’re visible to cars at all times. This means staying out of blind spots of other vehicles on the road, but also finding ways to make yourself even more noticeable to others. Wearing a bright-colored safety vest is a great way to make sure you’re spotted. It might not be the look you’re going for, but it’s much better than the look of getting in an accident.

Be Mindful of the Weather

Weather can be unpredictable, especially here in the Pacific Northwest. Before you take your motorcycle out of the garage, check the weather report. If you see indications that it’s going to rain or high-speed winds may be on their way, your best bet might be planning on taking that ride on your bike another day and using your car instead. If you find yourself already on the road as in-climate weather comes swooping in, make sure you’re hyper-aware of your surroundings and take things slower than usual.

Don’t Share Lanes with Another Vehicle

One of the benefits of riding a motorcycle is its size. It makes it convenient for parking, they’re great on gas, and you can make your way through traffic much easier than you could in a sedan. However, you should avoid sharing lanes with other vehicles. Even if you know your bike can fit, it can make other drivers nervous and catch them off guard – resulting in them swerving or simply just not seeing you at all.

Most of All, Be Alert

This is another “obvious” point, but it’s one that needs to be stressed. Getting on your bike and hitting the open road can feel liberating. That rush of excitement is part of what makes motorcyclists so dedicated to their rides. However, make sure you don’t get caught up in the moment. It’s a real problem with 32 percent of accidents stemming from distracted drivers. Remember, you’re vulnerable on all sides when you’re on a motorcycle. Have fun, but keep aware of your surroundings at all times.

Even by taking all these safety precautions, there’s still a chance you may find yourself in a motorcycle accident. If you do and need help making sure you’re given the legal protection you need, Elsner Law Firm can help. They focus on personal injury cases involving motorcycle accidents and pride themselves on offering legal help for motorcycle collision injuries. Reach out to us today and stay tuned for our upcoming guide to motorcycle accidents, launching on our website later this month.