There’s nothing like taking your motorcycle for a cruise along our beautiful Charlotte roads. No matter how safely you drive, there’s always a risk of accidents. Motorcycle accidents can be much more dangerous than the average car accident because you have very little to protect you if you take a spill.
If you’re wondering how to avoid motorcycle accidents, these defensive riding techniques can help. Below, learn all about motorcycle safety practices from a motorcycle accident lawyer in Charlotte, NC.
Eight Tips for Avoiding Motorcycle Crashes
Need advice on preventing motorbike collisions? Check out these motorcycle accident avoidance measures and safe riding strategies.
Stick to the Speed Limit
It’s tough to resist the temptation to put pedal to the metal when you’re riding your bike, especially on wide-open country roads. For your safety, though, it’s wise to obey the speed limit.
Speeding makes it harder for you to react to other drivers and obstructions in the road. If you have a collision while speeding, you’re likely to walk away with serious injuries — assuming you do walk away.
Don’t Drive Between Cars
You’ve probably seen packs of bikers zipping between cars on the highway. That’s one way to beat traffic, but if you’re trying to avoid an accident, this is a practice you’d be smart to nix.
Driving between cars is incredibly dangerous. If a driver doesn’t see you, they could easily drift into your bike and send you flying.
Stay on the Lookout for Cars Switching Lanes
Many drivers don’t notice motorcyclists at all. When they want to change lanes, they glance at their mirror, then off they go. It’s easy for motorcycles to fall into a driver’s blind spot when switching lanes, which is why this is an incredibly common cause of motorcycle accidents.
If a driver puts on their turn signal, give the car a wide berth. Some drivers don’t use turn signals, so you’ll have to watch for other cues, such as the car’s wheels beginning to turn or the driver checking their mirror.
Watch Out for Left-Turning Cars
If you want to know how to avoid motorcycle accidents, you must watch out for left-turning cars. Left-turning drivers can’t see motorcycles that fall into their blind spot. Plenty of accidents happen when a driver turns directly in front of a motorcycle because they can’t see the rider.
When trying to pass a car or drive through an intersection, look for cars that might turn left in front of you. Turn signals are a good sign of a driver’s intentions, but remember that some drivers won’t bother signaling, so look out for other cues.
Take Turns Carefully
Many motorcyclists wipe out by taking turns too fast. If you’re speeding and try to take a turn over gravel, sand, or puddles of water, your tires could lose traction, making it impossible to control your bike.
Don’t Drive Under the Influence
It should go without saying, but never take your bike for a spin after having a few drinks. Don’t assume you’re safe to drive just because you don’t feel drunk. Even one shot or a single beer could be enough to impair your reaction time.
Stay away from other cars if you suspect drivers have been drinking. Clues that indicate drunk driving include swerving, jerky movements, rapid acceleration, and hard braking.
Avoid Riding in Bad Weather
Riding through a rainstorm or blizzard can be exciting, but don’t do it if you value your safety. Drivers have a hard enough time seeing motorcyclists on a nice day, so it’s easy to imagine how much visibility drops when it’s raining or snowing.
Wear a Helmet
Helmets don’t prevent a crash, but they can save your life if you’re in one. North Carolina requires all motorcyclists to wear a DOT-approved helmet.
It’s also a good idea to invest in protective riding gear, such as gloves and a jacket. Some riding gear comes with reflective patches, making it easier for other drivers to see you.
Call Yale Haymond Law PLLC If You’ve Had a Motorcycle Accident
You’ve learned a few things about how to avoid motorcycle accidents, but even so, crashes can still happen no matter how defensively you drive. If you’ve been hurt in a motorcycle accident, Yale Haymond Law PLLC can help. Our attorneys are highly experienced in helping bike accident victims achieve a fair settlement for their injuries.
For a free consultation with a car accident lawyer in Charlotte, call (704) 800-HELP.
