Motorcycle riders know their passion is one that has to be experienced to be fully appreciated. Cruising the freedom of the open road without being cooped up in a cage and enjoying the unique challenge of two wheels is an exhilarating joy to be treasured.
But with that treasured joy comes lurking danger. To help avoid it, here are tips from The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)— pronounced "NITS-uh"—a branch of the U.S. government’s Department of Transportation. Its stated mission is “Save lives, prevent injuries, reduce vehicle-related crashes."
Why Riding Safety Is a Vital Responsibility for Motorcyclists
The NHTSA gives us the hard facts: Sadly, riders are 27 times more likely to perish in crashes, according to 2014 statistics. And many crashes occur because car drivers claim they didn’t see the rider.
Bearing these sobering facts in mind, we share these safety tips from NHTSA to help make your ride a triumph, not a tragedy.
But if you're seriously hurt in a South Carolina motorcycle accident, get your questions answered in a free, no pressure strategy session with a Spartanburg, SC motorcycle accident attorney. Call toll free at 888-230-1841 or fill out a Get Help Now form.
Rule Number One: Assume You’re Invisible
I’m not beating you down here, as I’ve already told motorists to look out for you. That doesn’t mean they’ll listen, as experience has shown.
The experts at NHTSA offer the following advice on protecting yourself from other motorists:
- Position yourself to be seen. Ride where others can see you. Avoid the car’s blind spot—the left and right rear of the vehicle.
- Use headlights, day and night.
- Wear bright clothing.
Defend Yourself
Cars and trucks aren’t the only ones who should drive defensively to prevent motorcycle crashes. Here are important tips to help motorcyclists prevent accidents:
- Anticipate problems and road hazards. Watch both the road surface and traffic ahead. Road hazards can spell disaster for a rider, so be on the lookout for potholes, oil slicks, puddles, ruts, uneven pavement, railroad tracks, or objects on the road. Go around hazards, if possible, and slow down to do it.
- Before stopping or changing lanes, check rearview mirrors. Unexpected stops can cause rear-end crashes, sending you over the handlebars and face first into the pavement.
- Remember that intersections are especially dangerous. According to NHTSA, about half of motorcycle-vehicle accidents occur there. Don’t trust any vehicles. If your vision is limited by shrubs, parked cars, or buildings, slow down, double check for any potential traffic, and be ready to react fast. It could save your life.
Speed Kills
If you don’t want the thrill of breaking the law at breakneck speed to be your final memory, don’t do it. NHTSA states it best: “Maintain a safe speed consistent with driving conditions and your capabilities.” If you’re a new rider, go slower until you get better at it.
Rain Equals Danger
For downpours, the experts at NHTSA tell riders to pull off under shelter, like an overpass, until the rain stops. If you can’t, here’s a few things to remember:
- The most dangerous time is the first few minutes of rainfall, due to oil slicks or other leaks on the roadway.
- Be especially careful not to follow too close.
- Some riders find they get better traction driving in the tracks of vehicles in front of them. But again, just don’t follow too close.
- Avoid painted lines and metal surfaces because they offer less traction, which could create a terrifying hydroplane.
Don’t Engage in the Bloodsport of Tailgating
Tailgating is deadly, pure and simple. NHTSA’s position on it is equally pure and simple: “Don’t tailgate, and don’t let other drivers tailgate you.” When you tailgate, I say you let the driver ahead drive for you. That’s because, while they can see upcoming road hazards, you can’t—and you’re not giving yourself enough time to respond to them once the other driver gets past them.
When you get tailgated, NHTSA advises to wave it off with a hand signal or tap your brake pedal. If this doesn’t help, change lanes or pull off the road to let them pass. It’s just not worth putting your safety in the hands of an irrational jerk.
Passing
Passing should be done on one condition: it’s safe to do it.
- Never pass or ride on the shoulder.
- Before passing, pull over to the left third of the lane, and be sure you keep a safe following distance.
- Use your turn signal.
- Before changing lanes, do a head check.
Braking With Wisdom
You should use both brakes together, applying them firmly and progressively. Before stopping, bring the bike upright.
Remember that water can hurt brake performance. After going through water, look for traffic behind you, and when it’s safe, check the brakes with light pressure.
Sometimes It’s Not Enough
Unfortunately, the biggest threat to rider safety is often other drivers. If you’ve obeyed all the rules of the road and been hurt in a motorcycle accident, the injuries can be devastating, causing medical bills to pile up while you can’t work to pay them. You need legal help to give you the protection that you couldn’t get on the road.
We help folks just like you. If you’ve got questions about a motorcycle accident, feel free to start a live chat right where you are to get your questions answered by an experienced motorcycle accident attorney.
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