10 Safety Tips for Motorcyclists
Michael Babboni
Motorcycle Accidents
Florida is number one in the nation for motorcycle fatalities, a contest no one wants to win. Sure driving a motorcycle may be seen as cool and brave, but it doesn’t have to be dangerous. The safer you are as a motorcyclist, the less likely you are to be involved in a crash. You can’t control other drivers on the road but follow these ten tips to insure you have taken every precaution to ride safely.Tip #1: Go to Class!
Take a motorcycle training course before you ever attempt riding. It will give you confidence, make you a better driver, and will save you money on insurance.
Tip #2: Inspection
Before you ride make sure everything is in working order especially the lights, tire pressure, and mirrors. Be diligent about regular maintenance and state inspections.
Tip #3: Map It
If you are going to a new destination be sure to look at the directions before you leave. Not knowing where you are going can lead to mistakes, which can result in an accident.
Tip #4: Check the Weather
In a car you can adjust to weather at the push of a button that is within arm’s length. Not so easy with a motorcycle. You need to know the weather to dress accordingly, or maybe decide to forego riding your motorcycle altogether that day.
Tip #5: Dress Up
Since the helmet law was repealed motorcycle accidents have more than doubled, according to an official at AAA. Just because you don’t have to wear a helmet, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t – you absolutely should! Always wear protective jackets and/or vests, pants, gloves, shoes/boots and goggles/glasses with an open-faced helmet. During certain weather/lighting conditions, wear bright clothing and put reflective strips on your motorcycle to be more visible to others.
Tip #6: Mind, Mood & Feeling Good
Never get on your bike if you are angry or ill. It’s so important to be in the right frame of mind as a motorcyclist because you are bound to encounter a car driver who will annoy you. Engaging in road rage can be deadly. Also, don’t ride if you are tired or sick (needless to say, don’t ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs). Motorcyclists have to be hyper vigilant drivers, at their best always.
Tip #7: A Bike Built for Two
Before allowing a passenger to ride with you, go over safety precautions, make sure s/he has the proper gear, and get on the bike to test out how comfortable you are.
Tip #8: The Road Ahead
Of course you have to watch cars, trucks, other motorcyclists, but also at the road itself. Watch out for gravel, potholes, slippery areas, and objects. Any and more could cause a crash.
Tip #9: Follow the Rules
Be a good driver! Don’t weave, use your signals, obey the speed limit, and don’t cut drivers off.
Tip #10: Brake Out!
You should be well versed on braking in every condition, so be sure to practice. A good blanket rule to have is, give vehicles in front of you extra space when you are driving. You can avoid being in a blind spot that way. Also, consider anti-lock brakes if you don’t already have them; it could significantly reduce your chances of being in an accident.
For more legal advice on cases involving motorcycles, cars, trucks and even boats, schedule an appointment at Shapiro, Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez & Walsh today. Our expert lawyers are experienced in getting justice for personal injuries, auto accidents, wrongful death and more. Email us today for a free case review at lawyers@justicepays.com.