Motorcycle safety is critical given that riders are some of the most vulnerable users on the open road. While enjoying your ride and embracing the freedom these bikes offer, it’s important to stay vigilant about your safety at all times, especially in traffic. Accidents involving motorcycles can have severe consequences due to a biker’s exposure compared to car and truck occupants.
Following safety tips and best practices ensures that you can navigate through traffic with confidence and reduce the chances of collisions. See the following tips to stay safe:
Wear the Right Gear
Protective clothing is essential to minimize injuries in case of an accident. This includes a properly fitting helmet that meets safety standards as well as other gear, like jackets or pants with built-in armor for knees, elbows, and shoulders. Gloves, durable boots, and eyewear should round out your protective wardrobe.
Be Visible
Enhancing visibility can significantly reduce the risk of being in an accident when driving through traffic, as other drivers are more likely to spot you on time. Wear bright-colored clothing or reflective materials, especially at night.
Maintain Safe Following Distances
Always keep a safe distance between your motorcycle and the vehicle in front. This allows you adequate time to react if there’s an abrupt slowdown.
Practice Defensive Riding
Anticipating the actions of other drivers and preparing for unexpected situations is key so that you are capable of those split-second reactions if they become necessary.
Follow Traffic Rules
Adhering to road regulations, such as speed limits, traffic signs, signal use, or right-of-way rules, promotes safety for everyone on the road. An awareness of and respect for traffic laws helps to prevent collisions and ensures that if an accident does occur, you aren’t deemed at fault due to a traffic infraction.
Anticipate Hazards
A proactive approach can help you avoid dangerous situations while driving in traffic. Always keep an eye out for potential hazards that could affect your ride, such as obstacles in the roadway or drivers behaving unpredictably.
You should always make sure you are aware of the blind spots other drivers have as well. Motorcyclists can easily disappear into these areas, particularly next to or just behind larger vehicles like trucks or buses.
Use Technology Wisely
With advancements in technology, it’s now easier to use GPS and navigation tools for trip planning. These resources can help you identify the safest routes to your destination and keep you informed of traffic conditions that might require extra caution or a change in route.
However, never program your GPS while you’re driving – always make sure you take care of this before you begin.
Don’t Weave in and Out of Traffic
The agility of motorcycles can make it tempting to weave between lanes or around other vehicles, especially in slower-moving traffic. However, this practice can be dangerous as it makes your movements unpredictable to other drivers who may not see you until it’s too late. Constant lane changes increase the risk of collisions with cars that suddenly turn or change lanes themselves without expecting a motorcycle to be nearby.
Never Drink and Ride
When operating a motorcycle – in traffic or not – you should never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. These substances considerably impair your judgment, reaction time, and general riding abilities.
Riding a motorcycle brings freedom and excitement, but if you find yourself in an accident due to the negligence of someone else, remember you may have legal recourse. Contact our motorcycle accident lawyer in Colorado Springs today to schedule a free consultation.
