Motorcycle Safety Basics

Motorcycles are a fun and convenient way to get around. They can also be very dangerous. Motorcycle accidents can lead to life-threatening injuries and even death. You need to be safe while riding a motorcycle. You should understand a few motorcycle safety basics to help prevent accidents and injuries.

Wear Your Helmet

Wear a helmet every time you ride your motorcycle. It can save your life. A helmet protects your head, your brain, your face and your teeth. Head injuries can cause brain damage, paralysis, and death. Choose a helmet with full-face protection. Wear only motorcycle helmets with a Department of Transportation safety certification. Replace your motorcycle helmet at least once every five years.

Always Wear the Right Gear

You need more than a helmet when riding a motorcycle. You need to wear the right gear. This mean thick pants, hard boots, and a heavy coat. Wear knee and elbow pads if possible. This is important because it protects your skin against flying debris on the road. It also protects you against serious cuts and scrapes if you fall off your motorcycle. Never ride your motorcycle in jeans, sneakers, and a short-sleeved shirt.

Inspect Your Motorcycle before Riding

Do not just jump on your motorcycle and start riding. Perform an inspection first if your motorcycle has been sitting idle for more than a couple of hours. You want to look for problems like leaks, broken lines or deflated tires. Resolve any problems you find immediately before riding. This will help to prevent accidents on the road caused by malfunctioning brakes or weakened parts.

Keep Your Lights on All the Times

Keep the lights on your motorcycle turned on at all times. This includes during the day when the sun is shining. Your lights will provide better visibility while on the road. More importantly, it will make it easier for other drivers to see you even in bright sunlight. This will prevent accidents that occur because other drivers did not see you on the motorcycle.

Never Exceed the Speed Limit

A final basic safety precaution is to never exceed the speed limit. More than a third of all motorcycle accidents today are caused by speeding. Speeding reduces the time you have to react to obstacles and erratic drivers. It makes your motorcycle harder to control in an emergency. Speeding can also contribute to very serious injuries if you are thrown from your motorcycle.

If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident call 800-475-4140 or contact the attorneys at Wall Huntington today!