Your dream of ruling the roads on your stylish little ride is finally going to come true. You are going to ride a motorcycle for the very time, and so the adrenaline, thrills, and excitement are high. While it may seem an adventurous and fun-filled experience, riding a motorcycle comes with many risks and responsibilities.
Since motorcycles do not come with the safety features such as cars, thus; single minor misconduct on the biker’s part can cause extremely grave damages. The chances of motorcyclists dying in an accident are 27 times higher than passenger car occupants per vehicle mile traveled.
In 2019, 84,000 motorcycle injuries were reported in the US. According to NHTSA, 80% of reported motorcycle smashes result in death or injury.
All this sums up to one fact that you need to take proper care when hitting the road. We have compiled a list of some essential safety measures that first-time riders must ensure to stay safe and enjoy their ride to the fullest.
Hone Your Skills With Riding Courses Or Training
Most of the states require licenses to hit the road legally. Adequate riding training will teach and prepare you for future hurdles and safety procedures in complicated situations on the road. Getting prepared under professional guidance makes a huge difference as they make you go through special tests and training. The benefits of taking the motorcycle safety course are numerous, but suffice it to say, you’ll learn how to avoid motorcycle accidents.
We will recommend you pick the bike that you are going to use in the future so that you could understand its functionalities and become familiar with its weight and handling. Enrolling in a safety course will reduce the risk of accidents and will also reduce your fear of roads.
Learn The Rules
Do your homework before the fun part starts. Learning the traffic rules is the strongest armor you could ever have. Be aware of speed limits and posted signs as a leading cause of accidents is exceeding speed limits and unawareness of lane crossing.
Here are some points to be mindful of:
- Never drink before riding
- Avoid using mobile phones
- Adhere by the speed limit
- Follow signals and posted signs
- Learn the lane changing techniques
Right Gears Are Your Lifeguards
Your first motto should always be ATGATT ‘All The Gear All The Time.’ Whether it’s hot, cold, raining, snowing, gearing up with the right equipment should be the priority of all riders, especially the first-timers. According to statistics, helmets decrease the risk of head injury in a motorcycle crash by a whopping 69%.
Use full-face DOT-approved helmets, boots covering ankles, gloves up to your wrist, leather jackets, and other such products that are particularly designed to bear road rash and other such injuries. Using high reflective gears is recommended so that you are visible to other drivers.
Leather jackets are not the only option available you can also opt for; jackets made of breathable material best for hot sunny days.
Check Your Motorcycle
Before heading out, inspect the motorcycle carefully. A single malfunction can cost you your life. Getting accustomed to your bike is also a great way to maintain your balance, grip, and control over the bike. Your inspection should involve checking the condition of tires and wheels, lights, and electrical wiring as clutches and brakes should be performing at their utmost.
Check The Weather
Weather can be your biggest opponent and challenge on the roads. Slippery roads in rainy or snowy weather are not a good option to test your skills as a new rider. In case you have to go out in bad weather, keep your speed slow, keep your distance from other vehicles, use clutches and brakes slowly and be extremely vigilant of your surroundings.
Avoid Tailgating
Avoiding tailgating and keeping a safe distance from the other drivers keeps you safe by helping you avoid rear-ending collisions that can cause a deadly experience. Be attentive on the road and be aware of the surrounding traffic.
Keep in mind that no one is there to control the situation, so you have to be vigilant yourself. Keep the speed limit such that you could stop at any moment, even on short notice. Signaling before making a turn or splitting a lane will save you from unexpected accidents.
Riding a motorcycle is activity adventure lovers adore the most. However, not being careful can ruin the fun and result in injuries or fatalities. Following the easy yet practical motorcycle safety tips we have shared with you can save you from damaging accidental experiences and painful injuries. If you have been injured in an accident, speak with a motorcycle accident lawyer as soon as possible!
About the Author
Michael Feiner
Michael A. Feiner is a partner in the Fort Lauderdale office of Steinger, Greene & Feiner. Since being admitted to the Florida Bar in 2001, Michael has devoted his practice to representing plaintiffs throughout Florida in various tort and strict liability cases and has successfully litigated cases against national insurance companies, large public companies, and governmental agencies, resulting in tens of millions of dollars for his clients.
He has handled all types of personal injury and wrongful death cases on behalf of plaintiffs, including automobile negligence, premises liability, medical malpractice, product liability, dog bites, and sexual harassment. Michael’s product liability case against Microsoft, as well as his representation of victims of sexual harassment and abuse by physicians, has garnered him important media attention at both the local and national levels.
Michael is an experienced trial lawyer and successfully argued an appeal to the Fourth District Court of Appeal. In the reported decision Ortlieb v. Butts, 849 So.2d 1165 (Fla. 4th DCA 2003), Michael persuaded the Fourth District Court of Appeal that a directed verdict on liability was appropriate where the defendant did not rebut the presumption of negligence of a rear driver in a rear-end collision.
Michael Feiner
Michael A. Feiner is a partner in the Fort Lauderdale office of Steinger, Greene & Feiner. Since being admitted to the Florida Bar in 2001, Michael has devoted his practice to representing plaintiffs throughout Florida in various tort and strict liability cases and has successfully litigated cases against national insurance companies, large public companies, and governmental agencies, resulting in tens of millions of dollars for his clients. He has handled all types of personal injury and wrongful death cases on behalf of plaintiffs, including automobile negligence, premises liability, medical malpractice, product liability, dog bites, and sexual harassment. Michael’s product liability case against Microsoft, as well as his representation of victims of sexual harassment and abuse by physicians, has garnered him important media attention at both the local and national levels. Michael is an experienced trial lawyer and successfully argued an appeal to the Fourth District Court of Appeal. In the reported decision Ortlieb v. Butts, 849 So.2d 1165 (Fla. 4th DCA 2003), Michael persuaded the Fourth District Court of Appeal that a directed verdict on liability was appropriate where the defendant did not rebut the presumption of negligence of a rear driver in a rear-end collision.