Spring is on the way and summer is soon to follow. Now is the time motorcyclists start thinking about getting the bike out of storage and start planning for adventures on the open road. While motorcycling can be an enjoyable pastime, there is always a risk of personal injury when riding. Below are just a few motorcycle safety tips. We hope you have a safe and enjoyable riding season.
TAKE STEPS TO ENSURE VISIBILITY
Studies show motorcyclists are safer if they are visible. Motorists are notorious for not seeing motorcyclists until it is too late. Make certain your headlight is in working order before you head out for the season. Use your headlight both during the night and the day for added visibility. Consider adding reflective decals or reflective tape to your motorcycle. Also, use this reflective tape to enhance your clothing. When you are slowing down, use your brakes – even just a quick tap of the brakes – to alert the driver behind you that you are reducing your speed.
USE SAFETY GEAR
In addition to reflective tape, consider brightly colored clothing. Always wear a helmet that meets the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 218. Don’t forget eye protection. Dress in thick, protective clothing. The leather is a good option. Despite the heat of summer, dress in long sleeves and long pants. Don’t forget your gloves.
DRIVE DEFENSIVELY
Be alert to changing road conditions. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation recommends the SEE strategy:
- Search
- Evaluate
- Execute
Using this method while riding increases your time and space safety margins. Speaking of safety margins, make sure you give yourself sufficient space to respond to the actions of others, including other motorcyclists, pedestrians, and motorists. Similarly, give others the time and space necessary to respond to you. Be sure to watch for vehicles turning from the left. Additionally, for large trucks, be mindful they may be making wide right turns.
Signal your turns well in advance. Some people employ an invisibility approach: pretend you are invisible. This will lead you to ride using even more defensive tactics. Know the rules of the road and follow them. Finally, avoid particularly dangerous behavior, such as riding while drunk or under the influence of drugs; riding while drowsy; or riding while distracted. Never text while you are riding a motorcycle. The distance you travel in the amount of time it takes you to send a 5-second text message is well over the length of a football field – including both end zones!
INJURED IN A MOTORCYCLE CRASH?
If you are injured in a motorcycle crash, you need an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side. At Frost & Kavanaugh, we understand personal injury law. We have recovered millions of dollars in personal injury cases. We truly hope you never need our services. However, if you do, we are here for you. And if you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you – we’re happy to visit you in your home or at the hospital if you’re too hurt to come to our office. We do not charge a fee to meet and discuss your case. In fact, we don’t charge you any fee at all unless we win your case. Contact us today.