When you embark on a motorcycle trip, it can seem like the thrill of a lifetime. However, it is imperative that you make every effort to stay safe, as motorcycle accidents can be deadly. Here are some ways to practice safety while you are riding a motorcycle:
Wear Your Helmet
Although not legally required in some states, you need to wear a full motorcycle helmet when you are operating or riding as a passenger on a motorcycle. According to the NHTSA, 37 out of every 100 motorcycle deaths could have been prevented had the motorcyclist been wearing a helmet.
Invest in Good Gear
Another way to keep safe is to invest in some good motorcycle riding gear. Do not simply jump on a bike wearing jeans, t-shirt, and sneakers.
You need to have some well-fitting, thick pants to protect your legs from road rash should you fall off the motorcycle. You also need a thick leather jacket to protect your arms.
Some heavy-duty riding boots are also essential so that your feet are fully supported. Goggles and gloves are also useful for protecting your vision and hands.
Be Careful in Dangerous Conditions
When you are driving your motorcycle in anything other than sunny, clear weather, you need to take extra precautions. If the weather is rainy, or it is past sundown, you should slow down and keep far back from vehicles on the road. You should also decrease your speed.
In these conditions, motorcycles are hard to see by other drivers. Prevent an accident by keeping as far away from other drivers as possible.
Review Your Trip in Advance
If you are traveling to a new destination on your motorcycle, be sure to plan your navigation ahead of your trip. You do not want to get lost or turned around while you are operating a motorcycle.
It is a bad idea to attempt to look at navigation devices or your phone while you are on a motorcycle. If you do get lost despite your advanced planning, pull way over to the side of the road and out of the way of traffic before you look at your route.
Exercising caution will help to prevent a major, potentially deadly motorcycle accident. If you do get into an accident with another driver while you are operating your motorcycle, contact your personal injury attorney such as one found through Monro Law Firm P.S. Inc as soon as possible to see what your options are.