7 Tips to Keep You Safe on Your Motorcycle This Spring

As the weather warms up, more and more motorcycle enthusiasts will be taking to the streets. Unfortunately, an increased number of motorcycle riders out on the roads means an increased number of motorcycle accidents. If you’re involved in a motorcycle wreck, you need an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer on your side. To help you avoid becoming an accident victim, here are 7 tips to keep you safe on your motorcycle this spring.

1. Watch out for other motorists

Most often the person responsible for a motorcycle accident isn’t the rider themselves, rather a negligent driver who is not watching out for those around them. This is why it is imperative that when you’re riding your motorcycle, you always keep an eye on drivers near you and a safe distance between you and other vehicles. Leave yourself ample room to negotiate road hazards and avoid a collision should a driver near you make a sudden turn, brake, or lane change.

2. Avoid unnecessary distractions

While taking your motorcycle out for a ride should be a relaxing, enjoyable experience, you should avoid engaging in activities that result in you disregarding the fact that your full attention should be on operating your motorcycle. This means you should not be listening to music. Many cruiser-type motorcycles come equipped with radios. Depending on the situation, it may be suitable to have the music on loud enough to hear it, but it certainly shouldn’t be loud enough were you can’t hear other traffic or emergency sirens. You should also refrain from smoking while riding, chewing gum, or eating food.

3. Wear full protective gear

Texas law requires all motorcycle drivers and riders to wear a helmet that meets Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard #218. Not only is it required by law, it’s common sense. Statistics show that 15% of hospital-treated helmeted motorcyclists suffered traumatic brain injury compared to 21% of those treated who weren’t wearing a helmet. In addition to helmet, you should wear appropriate riding gear, including an armored motorcycle jacket, gloves, and boots without laces.

4. Keep an eye on the weather

Most motorcycles can be safely operated in the rain or on wet roads. However, it should go without saying that you need to take extra precautions when you find yourself riding in inclement weather. You probably wouldn’t want to ride in the rain anyway, but avoid riding on days when it’s wet outside, especially windy, or when the temperature is low enough that there is a chance any precipitation on the ground could become ice.

5. Look out for hazards on the road

In addition to hazards caused by inclement weather, other road hazards can result in a serious accident. Things like pot holes, oil, gas, and antifreeze spills, and debris in the road can all lead to tragedy. The best way to avoid a motorcycle accident caused by a road hazard is to control your speed and leave enough space between you and other motorists so that you can see any upcoming danger and take the necessary maneuvers to safely avoid it in time.

6. Don’t neglect maintenance

The upkeep on your motorcycle should be a top priority. Ensuring everything on your motorcycle is in working order will help prevent an accident caused by mechanical issues, and help ensure you don’t find yourself stuck on the side of the road. Always check your fuel level, clutch, brakes, oil level, and especially tire pressure and tread before hitting the road. A flat tire while driving a car is almost never a serious issue, that’s not the case however if you get a flat tire on a motorcycle, especially at high speeds.

7. Ride during the day if possible

Night rides can be especially enjoyable, but be aware that you are an increased risk of danger when operating your motorcycle at night. Not only is your own vision and reaction time diminished due to the lighting, other drivers will also have more trouble seeing you. Also take into consideration the fact that at night, especially on weekends, you are more likely to be surrounded by people who may be intoxicated or focused on other things rather than the road and/or those around them.

Keep these tips in mind the next time you head out on your motorcycle. And as always, keep it rubber side down!

We proudly serve the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and surrounding areas, our office supports the legal needs of a wide variety of clients. Let the Law Office of Brian Brunson be your advocate in your time of need and help you put your life back together. If we can’t win or settle your case, you don’t pay a dime! We know it can be daunting to take that first step after you’ve been hurt. Contact Brian Brunson today via email or call us toll-free at 1-844-41-WRECK. We can help, when no one else will.