How You Can Become a Defensive Motorcycle Rider

If you ride a motorcycle, one of the best things you can do to keep yourself safe is to learn to drive defensively. When bikers are involved in collisions, they run a greater risk of being critically injured, because they lack the protection that a steel frame offers drivers. They are often thrown from their motorcycles, landing on the ground and ending up with injuries that can lead to paralysis and even death.

You may not be able to control how other people driver, but there are some things you can do to help keep you safer on the road.

Keep your motorcycle in good condition

Stay up-to-date with the maintenance of your motorcycle. Make sure your tired are properly inflated, that your brakes are clean, and that your rotors aren’t warped. Revzilla recommends doing a walkaround of your bike to ensure that nothing looks out of the place, and so you can spot any leaks you might have missed the last time you rode.

Wear the right protective clothing

Illinois doesn’t have any mandatory helmet laws, though it requires that you wear safety goggles or glasses, or have a transparent windshield. There really is no excuse for not wearing a helmet, though, because it could save your life. You should also wear close-toed shoes (boots are probably best), long sleeves and pants. You could avoid the worst kind of road rash, thus reducing your chance of a serious infection, by protecting your arms, legs and chest. You’re required to have a right OR left mirror, but you should have both, and you should also consider adding additional reflector tape to your jacket as well as your helmet.

Operate your motorcycle with confidence

Nervous drivers are usually unsafe drivers. If you are not confident in your ability to operate the motorcycle, you will constantly second-guess yourself, and that could cause you to get into a motorcycle accident. Make sure to keep looking around as you ride, as opposed to just focusing on the one spot in front of you. By being aware of other riders or drivers, and of where the cross streets have stop signs or lights, you can potentially avoid a serious collision.

Be aware of the rules and follow them

Make sure you know the rules and are following them. Avoid going over the speed limit, and keep back from the vehicles in front of you. Don’t lane split. Make sure your headlights are on at all times. If you plan on traveling to another state, make sure to read up on that state’s laws, too, because the rules may be different.

Motorcycle accidents can lead to major injuries. If you are recovering from serious injuries that came from a motorcycle accident, we want to hear from you. As professional personal injury lawyers providing services throughout Chicagoland, Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers works to help victims get compensation for assorted damages. Call us at 312-600-9585 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.