If you are a motorcycle driver, you know how dangerous driving can be since your body is directly exposed to the road and other vehicles. According to a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 5,932 motorcyclists killed in 2021 in the United States. This makes up 14% of all fatalities on the road. Even when you follow all the rules of the road and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, things can still go wrong. Here are 4 safety tips to keep you and other drivers safe.
- Be Visible: Motorcycles can be hard to see by other vehicles on the road, so make sure you are visible. Consider wearing reflective or bright-colored clothing. You should also ensure your headlights work and are bright enough before riding each time, along with your brake lights. It is a good idea to flash your brake lights before stopping to alert other drivers that you are slowing down.
- Wear Protective Clothing: When getting dressed to ride your motorcycle, consider dressing for a crash instead of the weather. Wear long sleeves, long pants, and boots that come above your ankles. Materials like leather and denim are sturdy and can help prevent road rash if you fall off your bike. Along with clothing, you should always wear a helmet and sunglasses; a full-face helmet is the most protective.
- Don’t Drive Under the Influence: Not only is it illegal to drive a motorcycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, but it is incredibly dangerous to you and everyone else on the road. According to the NHTSA, about 37 people die every day in the United States in drunk-driving-related accidents. Additionally, motorcycle drivers involved in fatal accidents hold the highest percentage of alcohol-impaired drivers than any other vehicle type. Drive sober or don’t drive at all.
- Keep Your Distance: Maintaining a good distance between your motorcycle and other vehicles allows you more time to slow down or maneuver around them if a car stops suddenly. Don’t try to ride between cars or outside a lane to get around cars. Lane splitting is illegal in New York State and puts you at risk of an accident.
Following these tips can help you avoid potentially fatal accidents on the road. If you or a loved one has been in a motorcycle accident, our motorcycle accident attorneys can help. Contact us today for a free consultation.