Tips to Keep You Safe on Your Motorcycle

 Posted on August 29, 2018 in Blog Post

Unfortunately, motorcyclists are one of the groups that experience the largest number of traffic fatalities in the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, motorcycles accounted for only about three percent of all registered vehicles in the United States, but 15 percent of traffic fatalities in 2016. Many people enjoy riding a motorcycle in the warmer months, but without proper safety precautions, this fun activity can turn deadly. Here are four tips to minimize the danger of experiencing a motorcycle accident:

Regularly Maintain Your Bike

The first step in making sure you are safe on the road is making sure that your bike is properly maintained. Check to make sure that oil levels are good, your oil is changed regularly, breaks are working properly and your tires are inflated. Having a broken-down bike can mean you will not be able to maneuver properly in the event of an emergency.

Wear Proper Safety Gear

Though the state of Illinois does not require you to wear any sort of safety gear or helmet when you are on a motorcycle, it is always a good idea to do so. Statistics show that most deaths occur when a motorcyclist is not wearing a helmet or protective clothing. You should have a U.S. Department of Transportation-approved helmet, long pants, a protective jacket, gloves and boots with a slight heel for a better grip.

Increase Your Visibility

All vehicles have blind spots or sections around the car that they cannot see in their mirrors. The bigger the vehicle, the bigger the blind spots. Try to keep yourself out of blind spots as much as possible. If you are riding at night, your clothing should be reflective or brightly colored to increase your visibility.

Be Vigilant

Always be on the lookout for possible dangerous situations. Never assume that other drivers can see you - drive like you are invisible because to some people, you are. Always obey the rules of the road, but do not assume that other drivers are doing the same. When in doubt, yield to everyone else.

Contact a Des Plaines Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Motorcyclists are more prone to injury and death than any other group, which is why it is so important to practice safe riding habits. Sometimes, accidents happen - you could do everything right and still end up with an injury due to a motorcycle accident. If you have gotten hurt in a motorcycle accident, you should get in touch with a Park Ridge motorcycle accident lawyer. The lawyers at the Quinn Law Group, LLC can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call the office at 847-232-7180 to set up a consultation.

Sources:

https://www.nhtsa.gov/road-safety/motorcycle-safety

http://www.msf-usa.org/downloads/If_you_ride_a_motorcycle_v201603.pdf

http://www.msf-usa.org/downloads/Street_Motorcycle_Tips.pdf