I grew up in rural America and was able to enjoy the freedom of riding a bike in the country with my father, a lifelong and avid Harley rider. He gave me very important advice that I think is important for all riders to remember: “Ride like everyone is out to kill you”. While my father still primarily rides in the country, his advice holds especially true for those who ride their bikes in the city.
Every motorcyclist dreads the thought of being in an accident because the injuries can be devasting. Riding safely is critical to ensuring you are able to do so for many years to come.
Make Sure You Have Proper Safety Gear
One of the best ways of increasing your odds of surviving a motorcycle accident and decreasing the severity of your injuries is to wear a Department of Transportation approved SNELL tested motorcycle helmet at all times.
Motorcycle helmets come in many styles, including half, three-quarters, full-face, and modular ones. Each one of these helmets provides different levels of protection. Whatever you select, you should always select a helmet that has a SNELL certification.
Motorcycle riders should have other safety gear, including armored textile jackets, leathers, gloves, and boots.
These items are important because they protect the rider from what is commonly known as “road rash”, injuries sustained from being thrown onto the pavement after a motorcycle accident. Helmets also prevent a rider’s face from these road rash injuries, as well. Goggles, sunglasses, and handguards (for handlebars) are all common and useful protective items riders can invest in. While all the proper safety gear is recommended, such gear can never substitute safe driving tips.
Safe Motorcycle Driving Tips
Most accidents happen because another driver just “didn’t see the motorcycle”. Major publicity campaigns nationwide, and many here in our local community, have helped to increase awareness of the problem. Still, riders are encouraged to take action to improve their visibility and defensive driving.
All motorists must use safe driving techniques to avoid accidents. For the motorcyclist, defensive driving is critical. Safety instructors teach drivers to avoid riding in blind spots and to be always prepared for unexpected lane changes. Motorcyclists should also avoid speeding and practice banking, turning, and braking with a new bike before hitting the open road. The motorcycle operator must be comfortable using the bike so that they are comfortable maneuvering it if a dangerous situation arises.
We are all too familiar with the distractions that regular drivers face. As we have blogged about before, anyone can drive down the road and look at their fellow motorists and see several of them glancing at their phones and not paying attention to the roadway. Keep this in mind as you operate your bike, approaching every intersection like someone will run a red light.
Do not assume other drivers will stop at a four-way marked intersection or yield the right-of-way. Approach blind spots as the person who may lane change has been distracted and will not properly check the lane before merging.
You can also increase your chances of drivers being able to see you by wearing bright colors and using reflective tape on your clothing and your bike.
Richardson Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
The experienced team at Genthe Law Firm understands the unique challenges faced by victims of motorcycle accidents in the Richardson area. Our compassionate attorneys provide personalized representation to ensure each client receives the justice they deserve.
We specialize in helping accident victims seek compensation for medical expenses, property damage, and any other losses incurred due to their accidents. Our lawyers thoroughly investigate each case to maximize every client’s legal rights and achieve the most favorable outcome possible. We also understand how traumatic these types of accidents can be, so we take the time to provide each client with the individualized attention they need throughout the entire process.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact the Richardson motorcycle accident lawyers at Genthe Law Firm today for a free consultation and trust that your case is in good hands. Our team works diligently to ensure our clients receive the much-deserved financial recompense and peace of mind they deserve.
The Genthe Law Firm Is Here to Help You After Your Motorcycle Accident
If you, or a loved one, has been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, contact us today!
The motorcycle accident attorneys at the Genthe Law Firm are here to help with free consultations.
Additional Motorcycle Safety Resources
In addition to these tips, we encourage riders to read the Motorcycle Operator Training Manual, issued by the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation and can be located here.
If you do not know, SNELL is a not-for-profit organization devoted to setting standards and testing helmets and has been doing so since the 1950s. You can find this information here.