There is nothing quite like hitting the open road on a motorcycle. Motorcycles give you a sense of freedom and exhilaration that cannot be duplicated when you drive any other vehicle. Motorcycle Accident Law Firm, Raipher P.C., recommends these 7 safety tips for motorcycle riders to reduce their risk of an accident.
For the most enjoyable ride, however, it is always important to put safety first. Driving a motorcycle does come with some risk, but that risk can be reduced by using the following motorcycle safety tips recommended by Raiper P.C.
Motorcycle Accident Law Firm, Raipher P.C., Recommends
1.Pre-Drive Inspection.
Before you go out for a ride, always make a pre-drive inspection of your motorcycle.
Make sure that the tires are inflated correctly and that they have sufficient tread. Check your brakes and your lights. Give your fluids a once over and make sure that your windshield is clean. Always check your brakes before leaving and make sure that your seat is secure.
If you must carry cargo, make sure that it is safely attached to the motorcycle.
2.Put on Your Helmet
Massachusetts has one of the strictest helmet laws in the country.
All riders on a motorcycle are required to wear a certified helmet when operating a motorcycle within the state. These helmets must meet DOT certifications. Helmets must have a face shield unless the motorcycle has a windshield of a certain height.
The laws concerning helmets were first established in 1967 and were updated with stricter rules in 1998.
Massachusetts is also a comparative fault state when it comes to vehicular accidents. A court would find a driver of a motorcycle negligent for not wearing a helmet and significantly reduce any compensation they were entitled to for their injuries because they would be seen as partially to blame.
3.Dress for The Ride
Protective clothing and shoes should be worn at all times when you are operating a motorcycle.
You want to wear long pants and preferably long sleeves when you are on your motorcycle. Denim or leather is preferred because they provide additional protections. Closed toed shoes are the best selection, and you should never operate a motorcycle barefooted or in flip-flops.
Our motorcycle accident law firm also encourages all drivers to wear something reflective when you are operating your motorcycle. Whether you have a reflective jacket, or you have reflective tape on the back of your helmet, make sure that there is something that can add to your visibility when it is dark.
4.Take A Safety Course
Yes, we understand that you have been driving your motorcycle for a while and you know what you are doing. But what can it hurt?
A safety course can refresh your knowledge, teach you new things about newer technologies and other vehicles, and can even help reduce your insurance rates when you pass the course.
5.Never Drive Under the Influence – Ever
One of the most important motorcycle safety tips in this list.
When you operate any type of vehicle under the influence not only are you breaking the law, you are placing yourself at higher risk for an accident. Decision making and response skills are minimalized when you are under the influence.
Our motorcycle accident law firm encourages everyone to find a safe way home if you are even slightly under the influence.
6.Drive Defensively
Sharing the road safely is the responsibility of all drivers.
When you are driving your motorcycle, make sure that you are aware of your surroundings, obey all traffic laws, and be defensive.
7.Check the Weather
It may seem like a silly safety tip, but it is a very serious one.
People have a tendency to focus on the rain instead of their surroundings and do not see motorcycles operating in this weather. If it is going to rain, be prepared to wear a brightly colored rain suit to improve your chances of being seen.
Our motorcycle accident law firm, Raipher P.C. is here to help. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident call us today. We can get you the compensation you deserve.
