Driving Safety Tips For Motorcycle Riders In SW Florida
Mark A. Steinberg
Motorcycle Crash
Driving a motorcycle comes with risks. Similar to other types of vehicles, the possibility of getting in an accident exists every time you go for a ride. Fortunately, there are ways to lessen the likelihood of a crash.Motorcycles, unlike cars, do not have walled protection. They also do not have similar safety features, such as seatbelts and airbags. Because of these, riders are more likely to experience severe injuries if they get involved in a crash.
That is why it is important to always take safety precautions. Helmets are among the must-have items for motorcycle riders. Aside from this, you can also minimize the chances of being in a vehicle collision by becoming more defensive while on the road.
Here are some safety tips to help you:
• Always be alert. Avoid distractions at all times. Never do another activity that will pull your attention away from your surroundings. For instance, talking on the phone or manipulating your GPS can affect your concentration and avert your focus from the road. If you really have to do any of these, it may be best to pull over instead of doing them while you are operating your motorcycle.
• Be more observant. Awareness of your surroundings is a must. Watch out for possible road hazards.
• Anticipate the actions of other vehicles. Be mindful of other vehicles. You should also be able to anticipate what other vehicles on the road will do. For instance, you have to prepare for cars changing lanes suddenly. You should also be able to see if there is slowed traffic hundreds of yards away. By knowing what to expect, you will be able to react quickly to the situation.
• Plan your ride. Preparing for the ride will help. For instance, you can plan the time of your departure while considering traffic and the distance. This way, you can avoid being late for your appointments or schedule. You should also check weather reports. If possible, alter your schedule around a storm. But since it is impossible to avoid bad weather all the time, you should wear appropriate clothing to combat cold, winds, or rain.
• Ensure visibility. Making sure you are visible to other drivers is a great way to reduce the risk of being involved in an accident. For instance, you can wear bright clothing. Another option is to put reflective tape or bright patches on your gear. These will be very helpful, especially when it gets dark or the weather conditions are bad.
When to Get Help
Becoming a defensive driver will help ensure your safety while on the road. However, it is still possible to experience a motorcycle accident due to the negligence of others.
In such a case, it is important for you to know the right steps to take. You also need to know your rights as a victim. For instance, you will need to file a claim to your insurance company.
Recovering from a motorcycle accident can be stressful and painful. So, dealing with an insurance company at the same time can be frustrating. Getting help from an experienced accident lawyer will ensure you receive proper compensation. Depending on the circumstances, you make be entitled to get compensation for certain losses.
Our legal team at All Injuries Law Firm understands these rights and is capable of pursuing what is right for you. We offer our services in Port Charlotte, North Port, Punta Gorda, Englewood, Fort Myers, and Venice. Contact us now to learn more.