All posts in Motorcycles

Six Times You May Want To Skip A Motorcycle Outing and Drive Your Car Instead

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/01/29 in Motorcycles with Comments Off

Riding a motorcycle makes for an easy and fun way of getting around town. Whether you’re heading to work or are going on an outing, there are many times to make use of the bike. For those who want to remain safe while on the road, there are a few times when it’s important to resort to driving a car to protect yourself.

1. Maintenance is Needed

You may need new tires or have squeaky brakes on your motorcycle with maintenance that is needed. Avoid driving your motorcycle if the bike is not in perfect condition and maintenance or repairs are needed to ensure that you stay safe on the road.

2. Bad Weather

One of the most dangerous times to ride a motorcycle is when it’s raining or snowing outside. This can make the bike more vulnerable to an accident due to poor weather conditions that make it challenging to drive. You’ll be safer driving in a vehicle and can reduce your chances of an accident.

3. Popular Holidays

New Year’s Eve, 4th of July, and St. Patrick’s Day are all holidays when motorists are more dangerous on the road and tend to be drinking. Protect yourself by taking a car if you need to travel to avoid getting hit by someone who is intoxicated. If you do get injured by another driver at times like this, be sure to contact professionals like the Milwaukee injury attorneys at Groth Law Firm.

4. Heavy Traffic

It can be difficult to drive in heavy traffic when motorists are impatient and you’ll have to weave in and out of traffic. Avoid traveling on a motorcycle during rush hour or on a Friday evening due to motorists who may not see you and may come into your lane too suddenly.

5. At Night

Although you may see the road ahead of you, it can be difficult for other motorists to spot you at night. Resort to using your bike during the day when you’re more visible to other drivers.

6. You’re Tired

Operating a motorcycle requires a high level of energy and physical strength. Avoiding driving the bike when you’re tired, which can make it easy to make a mistake and get into an accident. Opt for driving a car to remain safer until you get to your destination.

Although it can be tempting to go on a motorcycle outing, it’s important to use caution and remain responsible with the bike. You should only operate the motorcycle in the right conditions and when you can use it responsibly to protect yourself and others on the road.

4 Tips for Staying Safe on Your Motorcycle

by Anica Oaks on 2016/01/20 in Motorcycles with Comments Off

Motorcycles are cool, but they are not as safe as cars. A bike can travel as fast as a car, but it lacks most of the safety features that cars have. However, riding a motorcycle should not be a death-cheating exercise. There are many steps you can take to ensure you remain safe while riding.

Wear a Helmet

Wearing a helmet while riding is the most important protective measure you can take. It protects your head, and head injuries are the leading cause of death for motorcyclists. Wearing a helmet alone is not enough; you must wear the right helmet. When shopping for a helmet, look for one that is approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT). These have been tested and confirmed to provide the minimum protection you need. The helmet should not be too tight or too loose, and it should also not obstruct your vision.

Educate Your Passengers

You must ensure that your passengers wear the right gear. Like you, they should wear protective clothes and sturdy shoes. You need to practice having a passenger in a safe area such as a parking lot. Doing this gets you used to the extra weight on the bike, and your passenger also gets accustomed to the feel of the motorcycle. Ensure your passengers learn not to distract you, and also avoid panicking. If you are carrying a child, follow the laws of your state.

Avoid Distraction

Distracted riding is not a good idea. You need to stay fully aware of what is going on around you. Remember, many drivers find it difficult to see motorcycles, especially when they are driving big cars and SUVs. So, when you see them, try to avoid them, and don’t bet for them to see you. Don’t fiddle with your phone or iPod because this cuts your reaction time by several seconds. Also, don’t take your hands off the bike even for a second because this compromises your braking, shifting, or accelerating. However, when riding, you cannot avoid the mistakes of other road users. So, in case you get involved in an accident, find a good motorcycle accident lawyer from places like Arrington Schelin & Munsey PC to represent you.

Watch the Weather

A motorbike is not as stable as a car, and riding it in the rain is riskier than driving a car in the rain. Since it has two wheels only, its traction is half that of a car. And since a motorbike lacks a windshield and wipers, it has compromised visibility during bad weather. So, when preparing for a trip, check the weather first. If the weatherman predicts ice, snow, or heavy rain, leave your bike at home. But, if you must ride, don’t ride immediately after the storm starts because the rain conjures up oil and other residues that make the road exceedingly slippery. Thus, wait until the rain has washed off the oil and slick stuff that has been brought up, and then ride slowly and cautiously, allowing plenty of space for stopping.

A motorcycle is not as safe as a car, but you can ensure that you protect yourself from injury by wearing a helmet, educating your passengers, watching the weather, and avoiding distractions while riding.

Shiny New Motorcycle? Follow These 4 Rules to Stay Safe

by Anica Oaks on 2015/12/16 in Motorcycles with Comments Off

A brand new motorcycle can give you a sense of freedom unlike anything else in the world, but these vehicles will never be as safe as cars. With virtually no protection, drivers must take their safety into their own hands. If you have recently purchased a new motorcycle and are ready to hit the road, read ahead for a look at four rules that will keep you as safe as possible.

1. Never Ride Without Gear

Wearing a DOT-approved helmet at all times will reduce your risk of death by 37 percent in the event of an accident. In addition to a helmet, every rider should invest in a comfortable and durable set of riding gear. These sets include motorcycle boots, gloves, and leathers with metal reinforcement. Even if you are just running down the street to the store, you should have your riding gear on at all times.

2. Assume That Other Drivers Don’t See You

No matter what type of vehicle you are in, it is always a good idea to drive defensively. When it comes to motorcycles, however, riders should assume that all other drivers do not see them or do not know how to react to them. Some of the most common accidents can easily be prevented if drivers double-check their blind spots and riders assume they are always in a driver’s blind spot.

3. Always Start With a Safety Course

Taking a safety course is the single best thing that a rider can do to protect themselves, and that is why some states have even made these courses mandatory. In addition to teaching you the nuances of riding, these courses can also connect you with experts in the field such as motorcycle accident attorneys in Phoenix and motorcycle mechanics that could be invaluable in your future.

4. Skip Bad Weather Rides

There are very few safety features on a motorcycle that are designed to assist a rider in bad weather. Even a small amount of snow, rain, or high winds can wreak havoc on your ride and dramatically increase your risk of having an accident. This is especially important for longer rides when you might experience much different weather a few hours into your journey.

There is no surefire way to prevent 100 percent of accidents, but riders that take the time to educate themselves, wear the correct gear, and pay attention to their surroundings will decrease their risk of having a life-altering accident.

Five Reasons People Prefer To Ride Motorcycles Rather Than Drive Cars

by Carsurfer Admin on 2015/12/05 in Motorcycles with Comments Off

Motorcycles may seem like a road hazard to car drivers, but many sensible people safely ride a motorcycle rather than drive a car. Here are six of the most popular reasons for riding a motorcycle instead of driving a car or truck.

Cost

Motorcycles are almost always cheaper to buy than a car. Used ones are especially affordable, but even new motorcycles can be bought at reasonable prices. You won’t have to pay a huge down payment or make high monthly payments for a lengthy period of time.

Maintenance

Maintaining a motorcycle is not nearly as expensive as keeping a car in good running condition. A motorcycle is smaller, lighter, and simpler to care for, and parts are cheaper, too. Many motorcycle riders handle part or all of their own maintenance. Repairs are often speedier than those made to cars.

Independence

Riding a motorcycle instills a sense of freedom to travel the open road unencumbered by car doors or freight. In fact, motorcycle riders don’t have to worry about carpooling or giving people rides unless it’s someone who’s familiar with motorcycle riding. Riders can go just about anywhere, sometimes even off paved roads to traverse hillsides or woodlands.

Parking

Due to its compact size, a motorcycle can be parked next to the house, in a garage, or just about anywhere that offers a few feet of available space. It requires less space than a car and can fit into compact parking spaces or off-road parking areas where parking may be free.

Fuel Efficiency

Motorcycles often get many more miles to the gallon than even some of the most efficient cars. You can save a lot on gas by riding a motorcycle, and longer road trips won’t cost you as much.

Motorcycle riding can be an amazing experience for those who ride with caution. Inexpensive and fun, a motorcycle may be worth trying out. However, you can’t always predict what other drivers will do on the road.

If you are involved in an accident, it’s important that you speak with a lawyer like those at Scherline And Associates. It’s important that you always pay attention to traffic and be aware of other drivers.

Understanding your Rights and Responsibilities as a Motorcyclist

by Carsurfer Admin on 2015/12/02 in Motorcycles with Comments Off

Motorcycle accidents often result in severe injuries and damage. The state of Nevada requires that motorcyclists do their part to protect themselves. However, motorcyclists who were the victims of another driver’s negligence have a defined set of rights under the law.

Motorcycle Laws

Most states require that motorcycle operators have a class motorcycle license. Both the driver and their passenger must wear helmets. They must also wear protective face shields, unless the motorcycle has a windshield or screen. While they are allowed to use a complete traffic lane, motorcyclists do not have the right to drive with or pass another vehicle in the same lane. They cannot drive between lanes, even if the other vehicles are stopped.

Required Motorcycle Equipment

Motorcycles driving on most US roads are required to have one headlight, but not more than two. Tail lights and brake lights must be visible from a distance stipulated by the state. They should be equipped with a reflector and rear and front brakes. In most places, modern bikes need front and rear electric turn signals. Rear view mirrors should be mounted on both sides, and front and back wheels should have fenders. They are also required to have a horn and a muffler.

What to do after a Motorcycle Accident

The health and well-being of all parties involved in an accident is of paramount importance. Necessary medical care should be sought immediately. According to Las Vegas motorcycle accident attorney Farhan Naqvi, once any medical emergencies have been addressed, it is a good idea to speak to an attorney as soon as possible. They will work with the victim and help them collect information about the accident that could have a bearing on if they receive damages. It is essential that the victim and their family take these steps immediately after the accident. The insurance company representing the other parties involved will not waste any time in gathering information and building their case.

Is It Necessary to Hire an Attorney?

Not in all cases, but it is advisable in the vast majority of cases. When a person is a victim of a motorcycle accident, their primary focus is on recovering from their injuries. They lack the time, experience, and know-how to protect their interests. Attorneys understand the techniques that insurance companies will use to attempt to deny a claim, and they can work to cut these techniques off at the pass.

Recovering from a traumatic motorcycle accident can be difficult. It is not the time to try to recoup damages or lost wages on your own. Using the assistance of an experienced personal injury attorney will make the process a lot smoother.