All posts tagged motorcycle

Motorcyclists: 6 Tips For Staying Safe On The Road

by Carsurfer Admin on 2016/09/05 in Motorcycles with Comments Off on Motorcyclists: 6 Tips For Staying Safe On The Road

There’s nothing like hopping on the Harley and feeling the wind in your hair, taking in the scenery, and getting that rush of freedom that can only come from riding a motorcycle. However, bikers have to play it safe in order to keep from having that freedom taken away from them by a fatal accident.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that motorcycle riders are more than five times more likely to be killed in a traffic accident than people who ride in cars. Since motorcyclists do not have the protection of a vehicle and are likely to be thrown from their bikes, many bikers will sustain serious life-altering injuries like broken spines or traumatic brain injury. In order to prevent traumatic injuries like these here are some tips to follow to help you stay safe on the road.

Always Wear a Helmet

It’s not enough just to wear any helmet. You have to make sure your helmet fits securely so that it isn’t too tight or too loose. You also want to get one that is sturdy and hasn’t had a lot of damage. If your helmet gets dropped or damaged you should get a new one right away. It is essential to not wear that same helmet again because helmets are only made to absorb the impact of a crash once.

Wear Protective Gear

Although it can be tempting to ride in shorts and a t-shirt during the summer, you are more likely to be burned or scraped up without protective clothing. You will want to wear a leather jacket and pants if possible. You will also want to wear full-finger gloves and protective eye-wear. Make sure your eye-wear has good visibility and isn’t scratched. Also make sure that your slip-resistant boots cover your ankles.

Prepare For Inclement Weather

Always check weather conditions before you head out, especially if you’ll be driving in the desert or in congested parts of the city. Dust storms can cause very poor visibility for you and other drivers on the road, which will increase your chances of an accident. If the weather is hot, bring extra water to keep hydrated. Prepare an alternative route home in case of bad weather.

Be Visible To Other Drivers

While you might not be at fault if someone hits you, your priority is to remain alive. Use a headlight at night to make it easy for other drivers will be able to see you easily. Also, be sure to always be mindful of the blind spots of drivers on the road. It is also a good idea to honk your horn in traffic if you are in an area of poor visibility.

Avoid Areas Known For Drinking

Whenever possible, plan your route to avoid the casino areas especially at night. Your chances of getting hurt or killed on the road are much higher when you’re surrounded by vehicles in which people are likely to have just come from the bar. By avoiding those areas completely you can really help prevent a lot of potential danger.

Remain Alert

Don’t drive if you’ve been drinking. Even if you aren’t over the legal limit, motorcyclists have to be more alert than other drivers on the road. It is also a good idea to take a break from driving if you’re too tired or are sick, because your reflexes will not be at their best.

There is nothing worse than getting into a motorcycle accident. Luckily there is help out there for you and your loved ones if it happens. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident it is a good idea to get professional help from someone such as a motorcycle accident attorney in Las Vegas, to help you handle your personal injury claim. Be sure to seek help right away so that you can be sure to get all the care you stand in need of.

4 Tips for Staying Safe on Your Motorcycle

by Anica Oaks on 2016/01/20 in Motorcycles with Comments Off on 4 Tips for Staying Safe on Your Motorcycle

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 on Shiny New Motorcycle? Follow These 4 Rules to Stay Safe

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.