Ask any motorcycle rider and they’ll agree: there’s nothing like the freedom of hopping on your bike and going for a long ride in the warm summer sun. While most motorcyclists feel comfortable and confident in their skills and abilities, it’s also important to remember that taking the right precautions can help them stay safe from other negligent motorists.
May is recognized as Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month! During this annual campaign, we’re taking it back to the basics. Here are five simple yet effective safety tips that you can implement on your bike to reduce your chances of getting into a collision and sustaining debilitating injuries.
Wear a Motorcycle Helmet
No matter how short your trip is, it’s important to always wear a motorcycle helmet. According to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycle helmets are about 37% effective at preventing motorcyclist fatalities and about 67% effective at preventing brain injuries. You should choose a helmet that has been tested and approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT).
Dress in Protective Gear
On top of a helmet, you should also ride with the right protective gear. This includes eye goggles, gloves, a jacket, pants, boots, and a bodysuit. Most experts recommend either wearing leather or another material that works as an anti-abrasive. This can reduce the risk of road rash in the event of a motorcycle accident.
Check Your Bike Before Riding
Safe riding starts before you even hop on your motorcycle. It’s a good idea to adhere to a pre-ride inspection before each ride. Check the tires and wheels, controls, lights and electrics, oil and other fluids, chassis, and stands. By taking this extra precaution, you can ensure that your bike is in proper working order so that your safety is maximized.
Rev Your Engine
Have you ever heard the phrase “loud pipes can save lives”? This means that, when you’re on your motorcycle, being heard is just as important as being seen. When drivers fail to keep a proper lookout for motorcycle riders, they can inevitably cut them off or turn in front of them, causing a collision. Motorcycle riders, don’t be afraid to rev your engine to alert drivers of your presence.
Always Ride Defensively
Lastly, it’s incredibly important to always ride with extra care and vigilance and adhere to defensive driving techniques. By this, we mean that you should never expect that drivers can see you or will yield to you. Instead, ride as if drivers have not spotted you so that you are always prepared to make any last-minute maneuvers on your bike.
Injured in a Motorcycle Crash?
Our team at Bertoldo Carter Smith & Cullen hopes that these tips help you, as a rider, stay safe on the road this summer and all year round. With that said, we remain well aware of the fact that motorcycle riders can still be injured when motorists fail to do their part in prioritizing the safety of those on two wheels.
If you are injured in a motorcycle wreck, know that we are here to help you weather the storm and recover the right way.
Contact Las Vegas motorcycle accident attorneys at (702) 505-8115 to speak with our legal team for free today.