Are you ready for a long road trip on your motorcycle? Did you decide to purchase a motorcycle as an inexpensive form of transportation in the city? Riding a motorcycle is fun and can save you money on your fuel costs. However, motorcyclists are at a high risk for serious and life-threatening injuries in a motorcycle accident. A rider does not have the same protection as a passenger in a vehicle; therefore, the motorcyclist receives the full force of the impact in a motorcycle accident.
Even though you cannot control what another driver may do when he or she is behind the wheel of a vehicle, you can take steps to reduce your risk for a motorcycle accident. Below are the top safe driving tips for motorcycle owners from experienced Ontario motorcycle accident lawyers.
New Riders Need Training
If you are a new rider, you should take a motorcycle course. Riding a motorcycle is fun but it is not like riding a bicycle — riding a motorcycle requires certain skills. Make sure you know how to safely ride your new motorcycle by allowing an experienced professional to teach you how to operate and maintain your motorcycle.
Wear Protective Gear
Motorcycle helmets, gloves, boots, and leather clothing can reduce your risk of suffering serious injuries in a motorcycle accident. It may look “cool” to wear jeans, a t-shirt, tennis shoes, and a pair of sunglasses, but these items provide no protection in a crash. Specifically designed jackets, boots, gloves, and other clothing provide additional padding and protection. It is also wise to wear clothing that makes you more visible to other drivers.
Drive Defensively
Other drivers simply do not pay enough attention to motorcyclists. Drivers fail to yield the right of way, follow too closely, and change lanes without warning. Some sources state it is difficult for other drivers to see motorcycles because motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles. However, in most cases, it is simply driver error that causes a crash.
When you are riding your motorcycle, always remain alert and watch for mistakes by other drivers. Avoid all distractions such as loud music, texting, or talking on a cell phone. Keep your eyes moving across the road to watch for potential dangers.
As you approach an intersection, slow down and watch cars carefully because a driver may turn left in front of you. Keep a safe following distance so you have more time to stop if another driver does something that can cause a collision. The extra distance also allows you additional time to react to obstacles in the road.
Watch for Road Hazards
A motorcycle cannot run over items on the road as easily as a passenger vehicle. You need to watch for road hazards including debris, spills, railroad tracks, potholes, and other dangers that can cause a motorcycle accident.
Drowsy, Drunk, and Drugged Driving
Never ride your motorcycle when you are drowsy, tired, or impaired by drugs or alcohol. You place yourself and everyone else on the road in danger.
Call an Ontario Accident Lawyer
If you are injured in a motorcycle crash, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries, losses, and damages. For a free legal consultation and case evaluation, contact the team of lawyers at Diamond and Diamond. Contact our office by calling 1-800-567-HURT or visit our website to speak to someone now.
