Must Know Motorcycle Safety Tips When Riding In Dallas
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of motorcycle deaths saw a significant rise, with an increase of almost 17% from 2019 to 2020, followed by an additional 7% throughout 2020. In Texas, an average of 1.3 motorcyclists lose their lives on the roads each day. This is largely because motorcyclists face a higher risk of severe injuries or death due to the absence of physical barriers that cars provide. To enhance their safety and well-being, riders can adopt various motorcycle safety practices that are designed to protect them while on the road.
As the temperatures start to drop, motorcycle lovers will continue to hit the roads. If you find yourself in a motorcycle accident, it’s crucial to have a skilled Dallas motorcycle accident lawyer like Brian Brunson to support you. To ensure you stay safe and don’t become a victim of an accident, here are some helpful tips for riding your motorcycle this spring.
Tips To Keep You and Your Motorcycle Safe On The Road
Wear the proper gear. Professionals suggest that motorcycle riders should always wear “all the gear, all the time.” The right clothing serves as protective armor for the rider, which is usually absent. Even a short ride around the neighborhood might feel safe and make you think you don’t need to put on all the gear. Yet, most accidents involving vehicles happen near where we live. It’s important to wear the appropriate gear to keep yourself safe from injuries.
Prep your bike. It’s really important for riders to regularly inspect their motorcycles. This includes tires, fluid levels, brakes, clutch and other cables. If any parts are damaged or worn out, it could result in crashes with other vehicles or even cause the bike to break down while they’re riding, which could lead to a serious accident. To stay safe, motorcyclists need to do a quick safety check every time they get ready to hit the road.
Perform routine maintenance. Taking care of your motorcycle should be one of your main concerns. Keeping everything in good condition can help avoid accidents that might happen due to mechanical failures and can save you from being stranded on the roadside. Before you ride, make sure to check your fuel, clutch, brakes, oil level, and most importantly, tire pressure and tread. While a flat tire in a car usually isn’t a big deal, it can be a serious problem on a motorcycle, especially if you’re going fast.
Monitor the weather. Riding motorcycles in the rain or on slick roads is generally safe, but it’s important to be extra careful when the weather isn’t great. While you might not want to ride in the rain at all, it’s best to steer clear of riding on days when it’s wet, especially if it’s windy or if the temperature is low enough that any moisture on the ground could freeze and turn into ice.
Slow down at intersections. Intersections can be really risky spots for motorcyclists. When turning, riders need to be extra cautious about traffic coming from the opposite direction. It’s important to pay attention to the turn signals of other vehicles and the way their front wheels are pointed. Additionally, observing where drivers of oncoming cars are looking can provide valuable clues about their intentions.
Watch out for road hazards. Besides the dangers posed by bad weather, there are various other road hazards that can lead to severe accidents. Issues such as potholes, spills of oil, gas, and antifreeze, as well as debris on the road, can all contribute to unfortunate incidents. To prevent a motorcycle accident due to these hazards, it’s crucial to manage your speed and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. This way, you can spot any potential dangers ahead and make the necessary adjustments to steer clear of them safely.
Check your blind spots and watch other drivers. Motorcycles are significantly smaller compared to other types of vehicles. Because of this size difference, riding next to a car can be dangerous since the driver might not notice you coming up beside them. Unfortunately, not every driver is as aware of motorcycles as they should be. This lack of attention can lead to situations where a car tries to switch lanes or turn right in front of you, raising the chances of an accident. Usually, the individual at fault for a motorcycle accident isn’t the rider, but rather a careless driver who fails to pay attention to their surroundings. This highlights the importance of being vigilant while riding your motorcycle; you need to constantly monitor the drivers around you and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
IF YOU’VE BEEN INJURED IN A MOTORCYCLE ACCIDENT, CONTACT THE LAW OFFICE OF BRIAN BRUNSON TODAY.
Named one of the “Best Car Accident Lawyers in Dallas” by Expertise.com, Brian Brunson is Dallas personal injury attorney who is dedicated to helping clients who have suffered a car, truck, or motorcycle injury through the negligent or wrongful conduct of other drivers. In addition, his professionalism is unmatched and the firms’ client reviews speak for themselves.
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.