Five Ways to Prevent a Tragic Motorcycle Crash

The precautions necessary for safely driving a motorcycle versus a passenger car or SUV are similar in some ways, but completely different in others. Motorcycles are loved by many. They are a quick, fun, convenient, and often exciting way to travel. However, certain elevated risks come with the enjoyment.

Motorcycles offer significantly less protection from impact than do other vehicles. Due to this fact, many motorcycle crashes end in a fatality. According to statistics from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), motorcycle crashes are 27 times more likely to end in the fatality of the motorcyclist compared to individuals involved in car accidents.

The following are five major recommendations for safely operating a motorcycle and avoiding a disastrous accident:

Remain aware of surroundings and drive defensively

Eliminate as many distractions as possible when you operate a motorcycle. Remain aware of your surroundings. A sudden stop, change in traffic speed, or unexpected obstacle is possible at any time. Avoid listening to music or becoming mesmerized by the open-air driving experience to the point of losing your situational awareness and sharp response skills.

Avoid driving aggressively, and yield to larger vehicles regardless of who has the right-of-way.

Wear proper safety gear

Wear a helmet that fits comfortably and is highly effective at protecting your head during a severe impact.

Wear riding gear that is comfortable and doesn’t hinder your ability to operate a motorcycle safely. The gloves you wear should fit comfortably, but also allow you to easily work the controls without hindrance.

Proper eye protection is important when the sun is bright and also to shield your eyes from flying debris. After dark you can take advantage of wearing clear glasses for the protection of your eyes. You may want to consider eyewear that is uniquely designed to give you visibility in rainy conditions.

Avoid traveling faster than you can safely stop

According to 2015 NHTSA crash statistics, speed was the culprit in 33 percent of fatal motorcycle accidents compared to 19 percent of passenger car accidents. In order to understand how fast you can travel, within the speed limit of course, it’s important to have a comfortable feel for how the brakes on your bike respond. If you have antilock brakes on your bike, test them out in a safe location before driving on the road. Always position your hands over the break controls (front and rear) to confirm your ability to slow down or stop on a dime.

Assume you are invisible to other drivers

Motorcycles have a thinner profile than larger vehicles on the road. As such, it makes them easier to fall within a car or truck driver’s blind spot. It’s natural for car drivers to give more attention to other cars on the road than to motorcycles. The best course for safety is to assume other cars cannot see you. From that assumption you can make careful and wise driving decisions as you share the road with larger vehicles.

Maintain a safe distance from cars

If a car is merging into your lane, give them space to complete the maneuver. If another vehicle is backing up into your path, reduce your speed and give them room. Avoid driving in between cars and a multilane road. At red lights, make a habit of stopping at the side of the lane to avoid getting hit from behind. All of these suggestions can help you keep a reasonable and safe distance from other cars on the road and avoid unnecessary collisions.

As an injured motorcycle victim, if your crash was caused by the negligence of another driver for drivers, our Chicago motorcycle accident attorneys at Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers can help. We understand your plight and can offer strong legal counsel and vigorous advocacy to help you obtain the compensation to which you are entitled. If you contact us, we can investigate your case, answer your questions, and provide you with options going forward. To set up a free consultation, please call us today at 312-600-9585 or send us an email through our contact form.