Motorcycle Safety Tips
Many Florida residents enjoy the wind blowing in their hair as they ride down the road, especially this time of year. Motorcycles can be fun to ride, but they can be dangerous. They are powerful and run on two wheels, so it’s easy to fall off one and suffer serious injuries. Many people even die. In fact, in 2017, 5,172 people were killed in motorcycle crashes. Of these, 36% were riders over the age of 50.
Riding a motorcycle is different from driving a car. A car is enclosed and offers protection against the elements, while a motorcycle leaves you exposed to everything. As such, it’s important to be as safe as possible while riding a motorcycle. This means having the right skills as well as the proper gear to avoid serious motorcycle accidents.
Prepare Your Bike
You should never just hop on your motorcycle and take off. You should take some steps first to make sure your bike is safe to ride. This means checking the tires for cracks and bulges. You should make sure all your lights are working. You should also check your fluids and check under the bike for any leaks. Next, get on your motorcycle and check the brakes.
Wear Appropriate Gear
Wear gear that will reduce your risk of getting injured in a crash. This includes a DOT-approved helmet. If the helmet does not come with a face shield, make sure to wear protective eyewear. Gloves will protect your hands, while a leather jacket and pants will prevent road rash should you fall off your bike. Sturdy boots are helpful as well, since they will protect your feet.
Get Educated
Take riding courses before you hop on a motorcycle. These courses will give you the skills you need to ride on the roads with other vehicles. You’ll improve your skills and learn how to ride defensively.
Obey Traffic Laws
Many motorcyclists speed and fail to stop when they’re supposed to. This leads to accidents. Stay safe by obeying traffic laws. Avoid speeding and driving erratically.
Ride Defensively
While you want to follow the laws, you also want to be aggressive. More than 60% of motorcycle accidents are caused by right-of-way violations. This means you want to make yourself be seen. Keep your headlights on at all times and stay out of blind spots. Signal when changing lanes. Motorcycles are much smaller than passenger vehicles, so never assume that other vehicles see you. Always be ready to stop or take evasive action to avoid a crash.
Get Legal Help for Your Florida Motorcycle Case
Grocery stores and other businesses need to ensure their premises are safe for customers. When their negligence leads to accidents and injuries, companies can be held liable.
If you have been injured, get help from the Tampa motorcycle accident lawyers at Pawlowski//Mastrilli Law Group. Our team will assess your case and help you take appropriate action. Fill out the online form or call 813-242-4404 for a free consultation.
Resources:
nsc.org/road-safety/safety-topics/motorcycle-safety
geico.com/information/safety/motorcycle/riding-tips/
https://megajustice.com/motorcycle-accidents-produce-devastating-injuries-to-florida-bikers/
