Following these motorcycle accident safety tips will help you avoid a collision. While riding a motorcycle, you should be aware of the blind spots of other drivers and avoid using a hole shot through intersections. You should also be aware of how to properly maintain your motorcycle to avoid an accident. If you are not sure what these safety tips are, read on. Listed below are some of the most important tips for riding a motorcycle. Read them all!
Motorcyclists face a unique set of risks when traveling by car, and one of them is the risk of being hit by a driver’s blind spot. Motorcyclists have lower visibility than drivers of larger cars and trucks, making it easy to fit into a driver’s blind spot. Below are six tips for motorcycle accident safety. Know the size of your blind spot. Know your own blind spot and avoid riding in it.
Pedestrians have a similar risk of being hit by a car. Motorists owe pedestrians a duty of care and must comply with traffic laws. Staying in the motorist’s blind spot should be limited to twenty feet. The shorter your visibility, the better your chances are of not being hit by a car. If you see a motorcycle in the blind spot of another vehicle, stay as far away as possible.
A motorcyclist’s risk of sustaining spinal cord injury is particularly high. While helmets can help prevent spinal cord injuries by shielding the base of the skull and the upper part of the spine from impact, riders are still susceptible to serious injuries. Spinal cord injuries often result in permanent disabilities. Those that cause paralysis can change a rider’s life forever. Those who suffer spinal cord injuries must pay millions of dollars for medical care.
According to the National Trauma Data Bank, 90% of motorcycle collisions in the U.S. involved a motorcyclist wearing a helmet. Of those motorcycle collisions, only 39% were recorded by non-helmeted riders. However, a recent study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that nearly half of motorcycle operators report wearing a helmet. However, the statistics don’t tell us whether motorcycle accident injuries occur more frequently in states that don’t require helmet use.
When it comes to avoiding holeshots through intersections, one of the most important things to remember is to stay in your lane. The reason why this is important is because when drivers approach you from a straight line, they see you as stationary. When you approach a green light, however, you may appear to be further away than you are. If this happens, you could cause an accident or at least damage a car’s engine.
Maintenance of your motorcycle is important for safety. Check tires, headlamps, turn signals, and other gear regularly. If you see any signs of wear, replace them. You should also inspect other equipment, such as goggles and gloves. Comfortable gear will make it easier for you to concentrate on the road, and you can identify any issues with equipment on a short test ride. It is also important to pay attention to posted speed limits and road conditions.
It is very easy to forget about certain components of your motorcycle, such as lights. It is important to check for out-of-bulb bulbs, and replace them as needed. Mirrors should be checked as well, but you can always do it at home. You should also check if they are cracked or dirty. If any of these are damaged, you shouldn’t drive your motorcycle. If you suspect that your bike may have electrical issues, take it to a motorcycle repair shop.