Along with spring comes the blooming flowers and trees, new baby animals being born, and motorcycles. MOTORCYCLES?? Yes, after months of being tucked away in their owners’ garages, the motorcyclists finally have nice weather to break out the bikes and feel the wind in their hair once again.
With this renewed freedom of travel also comes a renewed danger. Motorcyclists can be more seriously injured in an accident and so must be more vigilant when on the road. Here are 5 motorcycle safety tips to keep in mind the next time you are enjoying your ride.
- Keep eye contact– Many people simply do not SEE the motorcycle on the road. Always try to get eye contact to ensure the drivers around you do indeed see you before you pull out onto the road.
- Defensive driving– We are all taught in drivers education that defensive driving is safe driving. Even if other drivers see you they may misjudge your speed or distance from them. It is always best to assume the defensive position and be ready for any surprising circumstance.
- Use your hand signals– The lights on a motorcycle are not always easily seen by other drivers so using your hand signals to indicate when you are changing lanes or turning will add another layer of protection for you on the road.
- Know your limits– Many new motorcyclists may not yet have the experience to take sharp curves at the proper speed. Many riders will end up with road rash from dumping their bikes around a turn.
- Wear the proper protective gear–
- Helmets- a Department of Transportation (DOT) approved helmet can keep you from suffering serious brain damage in an accident
- Face shields or goggles- keeping the wind and bugs out of your eyes
- Riding jackets and pants using the right materials- Every day jackets and pants are better than nothing but not as good as jackets and pants designed to withstand the damage of sliding along the pavement.
- Footwear- Not only do they protect your feet in the case of an accident but also having the correct footwear makes it easier to operate your gear shifting mechanism.
All of these are important when riding a motorcycle. Too many people end up in the ER with severe road rash or a cracked skull because they weren’t wearing the proper riding gear.
The Law Office Of Gary J. Natale, P.C. wants you to enjoy riding motorcycles while staying safe and injury free. If you get hurt while riding your motorcycle we our here to help. Call 973-324-9711 or contact us online to find how you can get the compensation that you have a legal right to.