Take a Motorcycle Safety Course
Even the most skilled motorcyclists can benefit from a motorcycle safety course. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are 25 times more likely to die on the road than those in passenger cars. Given this fact, it’s integral that motorcyclists know how to not only drive safely, but also how to react in an accident situation – each of which are covered in motorcycle safety courses.
Pay Attention to Your Position on the Road
Maintaining ideal road positioning will provide you with more room to avoid both accidents and debris on the road – and will lower your chances of hitting another motorist in the process. Ideal road position is staying closer to the side of the road you that you are on. For example, if you’re in the right lane, position yourself closer to the right shoulder; if you are in the left lane, position yourself closer to the left shoulder.
When it comes to curves, position yourself on the opposite side of the way the curve veers – if a curve bears right, be on the left side of your lane, and vice-versa.
Proper Hand Position
Since intersections are where the most accidents happen, always be prepared to fully stop. The only way to ensure that you’ll be able to brake as quickly as possible if/when needed is to have your hands ready to be placed over both the front and rear brakes when approaching a stop. It’s important to note, however, that while you should always be ready to brake, it’s not necessary to always have your hands over the brakes, as this can result in accidental braking.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
While you can never be able to control your surrounding environment or other drivers, there are steps you can take to avoid accidents caused by the mistake of others. And since motorcycles are harder to see than passenger cars, it’s even more important that motorcyclists keep this in mind.
- Consistently scan your surroundings for possible dangers—the sooner you spot a threat, the sooner you’ll be able to prepare for and react to it.
- Get rid of distractions: cell phones, mp3 players, etc.
- Constantly check your mirrors—and be aware of others’ blind spots.
- Keep a good distance—make sure there is enough room between you and other motorists to react.
Wear the Proper Gear
Since wearing a helmet can reduce your risk of head related injuries by 69 percent and your risk of death due to head injury by 42 percent (according to the NHTSA,) your face and head should be completely covered by protective materials. Make sure you have a full-coverage helmet with a visor – meaning it should cover your chin, eyes, and nose.
Gloves, protective boots with gripping soles, and protective pants and a jacket (or fully body suit) are also important to utilize.
While these five tips may help you avoid motorcycle accidents, there is always a chance that an unseen circumstance can take place. If you or a loved one has found yourself in a situation where you need representation or assistance with a motorcycle accident case in the Phoenix area, call the Simon Law Group to speak with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Phoenix AZ. With over 30 years of personal injury experience, we will always stand up for your rights and work hard to obtain the best results possible.]]>
