You’ll be hard-pressed to find a motorcycle rider who doesn’t love their bike almost as much as their life itself. However, many riders will place their lives at an increased risk by ignoring or avoiding important safety protocols. A motorcycle accident can cause serious injuries that can impact you for the rest of your life, so it’s important to protect yourself against these injuries by following a few valuable safety tips. Here are just a few ways you can prevent injuries while riding.
Wear a helmet. Despite the fact that there is extensive data showing the ability for helmets to dramatically reduce the severity and chances of a head injury in the result of an accident, many riders still choose not to wear them. Texas’ law only mandates that riders up to the age of 20 are required to wear a helmet, and many riders beyond this age choose not to wear them. Regardless of how you or your friends may feel about helmets, it’s strongly advised that you buckle one on when hitting the road. You never know… it could save your life.
Dress appropriately. Your helmet is an important piece of equipment you should wear while riding, but it’s not the only one. Your riding gear is also vital to preventing serious and painful injuries. Make sure you wear an impact-resistant material, such as leather or nylon, and that it covers as much of your body as possible. Long sleeves, pants, steel-toed boots, and gloves are all strongly advised for maximum protection. Always protect your eyes with goggles or a face shield as well.
Avoid riding in bad weather. Roads that are wet become slippery, which make your bike harder to control. This means you won’t be able to stop nearly as quickly or turn as sharp as you would during optimal conditions, and this may impact your ability to avoid something like an obstacle, road hazard, or negligent motorist. It also can reduce your visibility which can even further reduce your ability to react in time.
Ride defensively. Never assume the drivers in the cars around you can see you because you never know when one may decide to change lanes right into where you are riding. Always be on the lookout for changes in traffic, and ride in a way that allows you to quickly adjust when something unexpected happens. This means give riders proper following distances, and never split lanes unless traffic is stopped or traveling at speeds of around 10 miles per hour. Even then, stay slow and only proceed when it is safe to do so.
Maintain your bike. Check all your critical parts and systems regularly. When you fill-up your tank, check your air pressure. When you start your engine to warm it up, check the tread depth on your tires to make sure they don’t need replacing. Make sure your lights all work properly, including your blinkers. And lastly, regularly check your brakes to make sure they are functioning properly and have plenty of life left in them. When they get too low, replace them immediately to maintain your full stopping power. Improper maintenance can lead to a number of malfunctions and accidents, and thus, some pretty serious injuries.
If you have been injured while riding, the Dallas personal injury lawyers at Mathias Raphael PLLC Accident & Injury Lawyers may be able to help. Our innovative legal strategies and detailed knowledge of personal injury law can help you seek the compensation you deserve after your accident. We are tireless advocates who are motivated by your success, and our track record of proven success and excellent client service has earned us a reputation as one of the most respected injury law firms in the city. We can fight for your cause; no matter how far your case goes or how big the insurance company on the other side, we fearlessly pursue the best possible outcome for your case.
Call Mathias Raphael PLLC Accident & Injury Lawyers today at (214) 739-0100 to retain high-quality representation, starting with a free consultation!