Accident statistics are not meant to make a person feel warm and fuzzy inside. Sure, the decline in accident rates is cause for joy, but people are still injured or killed in accidents (every day). If you consider riding a motorcycle, the accident statistics should instill some fear deep in your core. That fear will make you strive to be a better (more safe) rider, along with these five safe riding tips outlined below.
1. ATGATT (All The Gear, All The Time)
ATGATT, which means “all the gear, all the time,” is a mnemonic device used to remember to suit up when getting on your motorcycle. Even if helmets are not a requirement in your state, the NHTSA states that wearing helmets are 29% effective in preventing fatal injuries and 67% effective in preventing serious brain injury.
Anytime you get on a motorcycle, you should have gear that protects your body and skin. You aren’t surrounded by a large metal frame like in a car, so the more proactive you are with gear, the more likely you will remain safe.
2. No Drink, No Drugs, No Drowsy Driving
Much like in automobiles, impaired driving is a significant safety hazard. Even prescription medications pose a risk of impairing driving, so know what medicines do to you. If the drugs you take make you drowsy or impair your reaction time, you may want to forego the motorcycle.
If you haven’t had much sleep, the effects can be as intoxicating as drinking alcohol or using drugs. Motor function severely suffers, and the ability to even stay awake behind the handlebars creates significant potential for danger.
3. Awareness of Surroundings
Know where you are, what you are doing, and what every vehicle around you is doing. Have you ever heard someone say that you need to know what someone two cars ahead of you will do? It is all about anticipation and making sure you understand the potential hazards that may end up in your path.
Make sure you know the area you are in, too. New locales can end up providing a new list of hazards you were not prepared for. Know the weather, too. Weather can play a significant role in accidents. Hydroplaning on a motorcycle can be deadly. Keep your eyes open.
4. Reduce Your Speed
Speeding has already been mentioned once, and now we are repeating it? Maybe there is something to it? Motorcycle riders don’t think about how fast they are going, especially on the open road. Stop and reaction times are different for the motorcycle rider, so if something jumps out in front of you, you might be able to stop. Still, the car behind you needs more space to stop – unfortunately, you are in the way.
More can happen on a motorcycle in the blink of an eye than in an automobile. Slow it down if you are going to ride.
5. Know the Seasons in Your Area
Every season has its own hazards. Depending on your climate and location, you need to be extremely cautious and aware of them.
- Spring: Spring is an inconsistent season. Sometimes it can be hot, cold, warm, snowing, raining – basically a mix of any weather pattern you can think of. Depending on where you live, you could have 70-degree weather one day and an inch of snow on the ground the next. Know what you will be opening the door to in the morning before getting on your bike.
- Summer: For the most part, summer can be hot. Depending on where you live, it can be hot enough to melt asphalt. More people are also out on bicycles, walking, and (you guessed it) motorcycles. Be more aware of where the other people on the road are during this time.
- Fall: It is doubtful that pumpkin spice will be the demise of your motorcycle riding, but one thing that does happen in the fall are the leaves falling. You might not think much of it any other time, but wet leaves can equal catastrophe when you are on a motorcycle. Not only that, but these leaves can also cover smaller objects that could cause your bike to overturn or you to be ejected.
- Winter: Snow, ice, and blizzard-like conditions. If you don’t have to ride your motorcycle during this time, you are better off to garage it. If you have to ride it, use extreme caution and pay attention to the snow and ice. Make sure you are wearing the gear that will keep you warm.
If you are dealing with an injury due to a motorcycle accident, let us help! Call Jacobson, Schrinsky & Houck in Milwaukee today at (414) 223-4444 or contact us online to have one of our caring lawyers come out to meet you. Get motorcycle accident help today and money for your injuries. There is no fee until we win.
Motorcycle Accident Attorneys – Jacobson, Schrinsky & Houck – Experience – Compassion – Results
#jshlaw #motorcycleaccidenthelptoday #nofeeuntilwewin #milwaukeecaraccidentlawyer #accident #money4injuries