If you ride a motorcycle, your chances of being involved in an accident are pretty high. Statistics show that roughly 11% of all motor vehicle accidents involve motorcycles. Sadly, if you ride a motorcycle, your risk of being involved in a fatal accident is about 35 times greater than someone in a car. Here are some things you can do to reduce your chances of becoming an accident statistic.
Be Visible
If you ride a motorcycle, visibility is your greatest ally. Motorcycles are difficult to see, especially when drivers aren't paying adequate attention. Whether it's wearing reflective patches on your clothing or staying in a driver's field of vision, you need other drivers to see you. Wearing bright colors may not be fashionable, but they'll ensure your visibility to the drivers around you.
Pay Attention
Automobile drivers don't always pay attention. Distractions such as children, cell phones and traffic can make it difficult for drivers to see you on the road. It's up to you to pay attention to the drivers around you. Try to look ahead at least three car lengths. This will allow you to prepare for hazards that may pop up in front of you.
It's also a good idea to pay attention to the road behind you. You never know when a car is going to speed up behind you. Watching a few car lengths behind you will prepare you for the unexpected.
Avoid Riding at Night
It can be nearly impossible to see a motorcycle in the dark. For your safety, try to avoid riding your motorcycle at night. If you must ride at night, be sure to wear reflective clothing, and place additional lights on your motorcycle. Placing reflective tape on various parts of your body will allow drivers to see more than just a small strip of light. A few areas you should consider placing reflective tape include:
- Helmet
- Pant legs
- Shirt sleeves
- Boots
Limit Lane Splitting
During high traffic times, it can be convenient to ride the line between two lanes. It can also be more dangerous. While cars are busy trying to change lanes, they may not see you coming up between the lanes. If traffic is at a virtual standstill, go ahead and split those lanes. However, when traffic speeds up to 30 mph or more, the best place you can be is back in your own lane.
There's nothing better than hitting the open road on your motorcycle. The tips provided above will help you avoid accidents while you're riding.
If you've already been involved in an accident, contact a motorcycle accident attorney for information on how to handle your specific situation.
