Tips on How to Avoid a Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycles are a popular mode of transportation in Arizona because they are inexpensive, fuel-efficient, and environmentally friendly. Unfortunately, motorcycles don’t have the best safety record, so it is essential to avoid motorcycle accidents. As much as you avoid this accident, they do happen, and in that case, you may need a Tucson Car Accident Attorney to represent your interests.
Motorcycle accidents make up nearly 13% of all traffic-related fatalities in the United States. If you want to avoid being one of these statistics, check out this blog post for some helpful tips on staying safe.
Avoid Bad Weather
Rainy conditions are a major factor in motorcycle accidents. If you must ride when it is raining, choose the right time to do so.
The evening hours tend to be less busy and therefore safer than during rush hour, for example. But if it’s too late at night and there aren’t many cars on the road then maybe you should rethink your transportation choice.
Weather conditions aren’t the only thing you need to be concerned about when riding in bad weather, though. Fog may seem like it isn’t that big of a deal, but studies show that it can severely reduce visibility and impede depth perception, so if you plan on riding during foggy days, then make sure to drive extra cautiously.
Perform Regular Maintenance
The best way to avoid getting stuck in the middle of nowhere with a broken-down bike is by performing regular maintenance checks. This includes:
- Checking tire pressure
- Fluid levels engine oil and brake/clutch fluids,
- Battery charge level
- Headlight operation
- Turn signals
- Horn functionality
- Drive chain tension
- Wear status,
- Brakes performance (front & rear)
- Brake pad material thickness
Performing these checks each time you ride will ensure that your motorcycle is in proper working order. If something does break down or malfunction, you can hopefully get it taken care of before this becomes a major issue and potentially leads to an accident.
Slow Down
Speeding is dangerous because it can lead to a crash and because you have less time and space to react when something goes wrong. An unexpected deer could dart out in front of you, or a patch of black ice might send your bike flying off the road if you’re going too fast, so slow down and ride cautiously.
Slowing down isn’t just for safety purposes, either. Studies show that the likelihood of having an accident is higher when you drive at speeds greater than 70 miles per hour, so if this applies to you, follow your instincts and slow it down.
Wear Protective Gears
No matter how careful you are, accidents can still happen. That’s why it is important always to wear protective gear such as:
- Helmet
- Goggles or Glasses
- Gloves/Gauntlet style gloves
- Sturdy boots with nonslip soles
These will help protect your head & face from debris in the event of an accident, your eyes from dust and debris, your hands from road rash or broken glass if you skid off the bike & fall, and your feet/ankles from fractures caused by impacting hard objects such as rocks.
In conclusion, motorcycle riding is not without its dangers. However, if you are smart about it, then the possibility of having an accident can be significantly reduced or even eliminated, all while having a blast.