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Motorcycle safety should be a priority while you ride

On Behalf of | Aug 27, 2017 | Blog, Firm News |

For some, motorcycle ownership is a sign of freedom and fearlessness. Riding down the open road, open to the elements, can be one of the most exhilarating feelings you can experience. However, riding through Bridgeport traffic is probably not so nice. You may have found yourself having to dodge the occasional SUV, commercial trucks and sedans. While that sense of freedom may be the main reason your purchased your bike, it is important to maintain a certain level of safety as well to avoid a motorcycle accident.

When a car and a motorcycle are involved in a collision, the motorcycle usually does not win. Without the protection of doors and a roof, your injuries will be much more severe than those of a driver. While it is not always possible to avoid an accident with a negligent driver, the following motorcycle safety tips may help.

Use your headlight

Always ride with your headlight and taillights on. People’s eyes are often drawn to moving light before anything else. By keeping your lights on and occasionally giving a push and pull on the handlebars, you can make yourself more visible to other vehicles. Use the wiggle-waggle technique to get a driver’s attention when you think that person may be on the verge of moving into your lane, turning in front of your or some other maneuver that might result in an accident.

Always be prepared to brake

Sometimes, it is impossible to anticipate when the unexpected will occur, which is why you should always be at the ready. Keep your hand hovering over the brake lever as much as possible. By being ready, you can gain the few precious seconds you need to avoid a potentially fatal accident with a reckless driver.

Stay visible

Avoid wearing colors that cause you to blend into the pavement. If you can, stay away from the greys and blacks. A bright green jacket may not look cool, but it could save your life. In general, motorcycle riders are invisible to drivers. To make yourself more visible, try to wear bright colors during the day and reflective materials at night.

Danger often comes from behind

As mentioned above, it is generally a good idea to assume that people behind the wheel do not see you … even when you are right in front of them. This means it is up to you to pay attention to what is going on behind you. Think you’re safe sitting still at a traffic light? Think again. It only takes a second for a driver to look down at one’s phone or at the radio, but that second could cause him or her to rear-end you. Try not to stop in the middle of the lane and instead pull to the side so that you have an escape route. Also, watch your mirrors so that you can take action as soon as you suspect a driver does not see you.

When it comes to riding a motorcycle, the most you can do is hope for the best but prepare for the worst. Never assume that a driver is worried about your safety. However, simply because you are on a motorcycle does not mean you have any fewer rights than someone operating a car or truck. This means that if you suffer an injury due to an accident with a negligent driver, you might be able to take legal action to recover compensation for the harm and the losses you sustained.

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