Taking to the open road on a motorcycle should be a fun and exhilarating experience. The unfortunate reality for many bikers, however, is that it can often be dangerous. You have to be able to anticipate what other road users are going to do and constantly be thinking about whether or not you can be seen.
Accidents can happen in an instant and there may not be anything you can do to stop them from happening. There are some steps you can take, however, to help keep yourself as safe as possible while you’re riding your motorcycle. These include:
This almost goes without saying, but wearing a helmet and motorcycle gear can offer you a level of protection from the elements and the impact of the road if you come off your bike. Even if it’s hot outside, you should still resist the temptation to take to the road in a t-shirt and shorts.
Prevention is always better than cure. With an advanced driving course, you can learn how to carry out difficult maneuvers as well as master braking and control techniques. Another option available is a safety course which will teach you how to deal with unpredictable situations caused by other drivers that you might encounter while on the road.
One of the most common reasons other road users will give for causing a motorcycle accident is that they didn’t see it. Making sure you keep a good distance away from other vehicles and out of blind spots helps to reduce the risk of a collision. It also gives you more time to plan an escape route for when a car or truck makes a dangerous lane change or turn.
Finding yourself injured as a result of a motorcycle accident can leave you with serious injuries and emotional trauma. When the accident was caused by an inattentive third party, you may be able to claim damages as compensation for your losses.