Motorcycle Safety Tips

Learning how to avoid common motorcycle accidents will help you remain safe on the road. In addition, you will become a more alert and cautious rider. About half of all traffic deaths occur with vulnerable road users. Unfortunately, that can include motorcyclists, as well. In fact, about 1.35 people die in auto and bike accidents each year. In relation, another 20 to 50 million people suffer from non-fatal injuries in traffic collisions.

We have 10 motorcycle safety tips to help keep you safe on the road. If you have been in an accident, contact our Orange County motorcycle accident lawyer. An attorney will help you fight for the compensation you deserve after a crash.

1.  Take a Class

Many common motorcycle accidents occur because people aren’t experienced riders or drivers. Inexperience creates an unsafe environment and the roads dangerous. People who are not familiar with the roads or operating their vehicles make unsafe decisions on the road. Learning more about traffic rules and motorcycle safety makes you become a defensive driver. Otherwise, the hasty, split-second decisions you make could put you or another driver at risk of crashing.

Regardless if you’re a new or experienced motorcyclist, consider taking a class. You’ll feel more confident while on your bike. You’ll also learn how to operate your motorcycle safely. The tips and tricks you learn could help you avoid common biking accidents in the future. Talk to your instructor about motorcycle safety and laws. 

Following motorcycle safety tips can help you learn how to avoid the rest of these common biking accidents. In the meantime, consider avoiding interstates, freeways, and highways while you’re still learning. Otherwise, high-traffic areas will increase your risk of an accident as a beginner. 

2.  Become a Defensive Rider

Many common motorcycle accidents occur during left-hand turns. If a car makes a left-hand turn and doesn’t notice you, they might strike your bike. This can occur while you’re passing another car or going straight through an intersection. These accidents also occur when motorcyclists try to speed past cars.

Your motorcycle’s small size can make you less visible to cars while they’re turning. However, if the car is making a left turn, the other driver is likely at fault. Consider contacting your Whittier accident attorney. They’ll help prove the other driver’s negligence caused the accident. Otherwise, learn how to become a defensive driver. Try to learn how to anticipate each driver’s next move. For example, you can learn how to recognize when a car is preparing to make a left turn.

3.  Do Not Neglect Maintenance

Sometimes, an issue with your motorcycle can cause a crash. Make sure to complete a full check of your bike before regularly. Otherwise, your negligence could cause these common bike accidents.

Also, learn how to perform a pre-check of your bike before you start riding. You can identify issues with your tank, clutch, or lights before you hit the road. Although some motorcycle accidents are unavoidable, taking precautions decreases your chances of being in a bike accident. In addition, you can minimize your injuries by purchasing high-quality safety gear. Consider purchasing a high-grade leather jacket, gloves, and a helmet. Purchasing protective gear, especially a helmet, could save your life.

If you believe your bike was faulty due to a manufacturer error, contact a motorcycle accident lawyer in Orange County. You can hold the manufacturer liable for the crash. Your lawyer will prove a defect with your bike caused the accident.

4.  Use the Four R’s

When another vehicle halts in front of you, you’ll need to react immediately. Otherwise, you might rear-end the other vehicle. Head-on collisions are among some of the most common motorcycle accidents. You can use the “Four R’s” to avoid head-on motorcycle crashes:

• Read the road

• Drive to the right

• Reduce speed

• Ride off the road

Focus on learning how to read the road this year. Remember to become a defensive driver to avoid accidents. 

5.  Track Road Conditions

Tracking road conditions is another great way to become a defensive driver. Otherwise, dangerous conditions can lead to a motorcycle crash. For example, you should keep an eye out for:

• Dead animals

• Uneven heights between lanes

• Potholes

• Slick pavement

• Missing signs and signals

• Crumbling pavement

• Debris

You might lose control of the bike if you encounter these conditions. Learn how to avoid them by remaining attentive on the road. 

6.  Avoid Lane Splitting

Some drivers move between two lanes of slow vehicles on the road. This driving method, called lane splitting, can lead to common biking accidents. An accident can occur because of decreased proximity between a car and motorcycle. There’s usually less space available on the road, too. A car might not anticipate your next move if you try lane splitting. In some states, it’s also illegal. 

7.  Research

Are you thinking of learning how to drive a motorcycle in the future? Consider researching bikes that are ideal for beginners. Avoid following the temptation to purchase the fastest or newest motorcycle on the market. Instead, focus on motorcycle safety above all else.

If you scratch or dent your bike while learning, you can minimize the stress with a beginner bike. Also, during your search, you can research the best protective equipment to also invest in. 

8.  Don’t Drive Under the Influence

About 5,000 motorcyclists die in motorcycle crashes each year. Of these, 1,689 (34%) were alcohol-impaired drivers.

Don’t drink and drive. If you are planning a fun night out, prepare ahead of time. Leave your bike at home, and utilize a rideshare app for the evening to get you to and from home. Driving while under the influence of controlled substances or alcohol not only endanger fellow drivers, but the consequences lead to fines and jail time. 

9.  Follow the Laws

Learn how to recognize a car is about to change lanes. Oftentimes, drivers do not see motorcyclists on the road. If you are not visible, you may be able to tell from how the driver is operating their vehicle. Observe actions like drivers turning their heads, checking their mirrors, or adjusting their tires. If you do not see this, you may be in the driver’s blind spot and should keep your distance.

In addition, speeding can cause these common motorcycle accidents, as well. If a neighboring car is speeding or driving recklessly, stay away. As for you, stick to the speed limit and follow all safety guidelines while on the road.

10.  Watch for Doors

A driver might open their door while the car is parked. Keep an eye out when driving around areas where cars are parked on the side of the road. Remember to remain vigilant and aware.

What to Do if You’re in a Motorcycle Accident

Remain safe on the road by following these 10 motorcycle safety tips. Become a defensive driver to avoid these 10 common motorcycle accidents. If an accident does occur, make sure to contact your Whittier auto accident lawyer right away.

Want to discuss a potential case with the top motorcycle accident lawyer in Southern California? The Law Offices of Daniel Kim is here to help. We offer a free case evaluation and are available to assist 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Contact us today to get started.