Motorcycles are fun, fuel-efficient and a great way to get around, but they also pose a number of dangers you don’t find in your average car. Motorcyclists are about 30 times more likely to die in crashes than people inside a regular passenger vehicle, according to information from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Therefore, it’s important for all motorcyclists to take their safety extremely seriously out on the road.
The following are a few motorcycle safety tips that new and experience riders alike can benefit from:
- Get antilock brakes. Data from the IIHS shows motorcycles with antilock brakes are about 37 percent less likely to be involved in fatal accidents than those that do not have these brakes. Panicked drivers often accidentally lock up their brakes, something these systems help prevent.
- Practice. Make sure you get all of the needed training for your motorcycle, and don’t jump into big, intense rides right away. Start off slow on local residential streets, moving up to busier streets and highways later. It’s important to be comfortable on your bike before you are surrounded by other motorists.
- Wear the right gear. Always wear a helmet and clothing that will protect you from the wind, debris, flying bugs and road rash. You should also put reflectors on your clothing if you plan on riding at night.
- Don’t ride in bad weather. Slippery conditions are even more dangerous for motorcycles than for cars, as you have less surface contact being on only two wheels. The most dangerous time to ride is right after rain or snow begins.
- Watch for hazards. Always be scanning ahead of you for any potential hazards in the road, including loose gravel, potholes, bumps or anything else that could pose a danger to you. This will help you to avoid hazards and a potential accident.
- Don’t speed. You are far more likely to be involved in a motorcycle accident when traveling faster than the posted speed limit.
For further tips and guidance, and to explore your options if you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash, speak with an experienced North Carolina attorney at Lanier Law Group.