How to Reduce the Risk of Motorcycle Accidents?
The good news is, there are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of motorcycle accidents. The best way to avoid a crash is to be aware of potential hazards on the road and practice safe driving practices every time you ride.
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1. Observe Others on the Road
One of the biggest mistakes motorcyclists make is not paying enough attention to other vehicles on the road. This is particularly true if you are traveling in high traffic areas and on roads that have a lot of bends and curves. This can increase your risk of getting hit by a driver who is not paying enough attention to their surroundings or by a driver who has pulled out into traffic without using their turn signal.
2. Be Visible and Keep Your Distance
Another major mistake motorcyclists make is not keeping a safe distance between them and the vehicle ahead of them. This can lead to many accidents, especially when the motorcycle is traveling at high speed.
3. Wear Full Gear
Regardless of the weather conditions, it is always a good idea to wear full riding gear. This includes a helmet, gloves and boots. These accessories can help to protect your body in the event of a collision and can also prevent you from suffering severe injuries.
4. Be Defensive
The most important step you can take to reduce your risk of a motorcycle accident is to be defensive on the road. This means following all traffic laws and being observant of other drivers on the road. This will make it much easier for other drivers to avoid putting you in danger.
5. Stay Off the Crash Scene
When you are involved in a crash, it is extremely important to get yourself off of the roadway as soon as possible. It can be tempting to stay at the scene and wait for help to arrive, but this can actually put you in a dangerous position. You may end up crashing into other cars on the road or you can get hit by a car that has slowed down to look for you.
6. Gather Evidence
After an accident, it is always important to collect as much evidence as you can for legal and insurance purposes. This can include photographs and videos of the scene as well as roadway features such as skidmarks, gravel, and road signs. This information will be useful to the insurance company and legal team to determine liability if you do file a claim.
7. Maintain Your Motorcycle
Having your motorcycle regularly maintained can decrease the likelihood of it breaking down and leading to an accident. This can be as simple as having your brakes and tires inspected.
8. Avoid Drinking and Riding
Alcohol can slow your reaction time and impair your judgment, which makes it more difficult to control a motorcycle. It is important to remember that alcohol is a common factor in about half of all bike wrecks.