Motorcycle riding safety begins with the biker. It is essential that you are as vigilant as possible and take all steps to keep yourself safe. This involves proper riding technique and preparation for your ride.
Following an extensive list of safety tips can reduce your risk of an accident and potentially minimize your injuries should you be involved in one. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle crash, you may be entitled to substantial financial compensation after filing a claim or lawsuit against the responsible driver. Here are some safety tips for you to follow when you are on your motorcycle.
Always Observe Traffic Laws
Traffic safety laws exist for your own protection. For example, you must remain in a traffic lane; lane splitting is illegal in Pennsylvania. Further, the posted speed limits are the maximum allowable under the weather conditions. Traveling too fast or making illegal turns can raise the possibility that you could lose control of your motorcycle. Further, you may not be able to respond to any hazards around you in time to avoid an accident.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Because of the grave risks involved in a motorcycle accident, bikers must be aware of what is happening around them on the road. The typical advice is for motorcyclists to ride with their “head on a swivel.” Bikers should scan their surroundings for any potential dangers and respond accordingly.
Wear Safety Gear
Even if state law does not mandate that you wear a helmet while on a motorcycle, acting prudently whenever possible is a good idea. Furthermore, you should always have safety gear that can help minimize your injuries in an accident, including:
- Jacket
- Gloves
- Armor
- Eye protection
- Boots
Ensure That Your Bike Is Properly Maintained
Your motorcycle needs to perform for you, so be prepared to respond immediately when you are in danger. Always take the time to inspect your bike before you head out onto the road and perform all of the necessary maintenance. If you are storing your bike for the winter, ensure it is properly cleaned and has a new gas tank when you take it out of storage. In addition, you should regularly inspect your chain and tires.
Ride Defensively
You cannot control what other drivers on the road may do or their own level of safety. What you can control is how you ride. You should always anticipate that other drivers may be dangerous and ride defensively yourself. Riding your motorcycle too fast or too aggressively can minimize the amount of time that you have to react to another driver’s maneuver. While you should ride your motorcycle confidently, you should also not be overconfident.
Not only do you want to do whatever is within your power to remain as safe as possible, but you also do not want to give the insurance company an excuse to blame you for the accident. Insurance companies often allege that the motorcyclist was partially or completely to blame for the accident, and your motorcycle accident attorney may need to defend you from these accusations. Do everything that you can to not give the insurance company a reason to try to cut your financial compensation.
Contact a Pennsylvania Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Bikers Have Rights for a Free Consultation
A Pennsylvania motorcycle accident lawyer at Bikers Have Rights can fight for you to obtain justice when someone else’s careless actions have injured you. The first step you need to take is to contact us online or call us at 215-525-1616 or 877-333-0300 to schedule a free consultation. Our office is in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania, and we serve injured motorcyclists throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.