Tips: Prevent Motorcycle Accidents

In this generation wherein our roads are occupied by a large volume of vehicles, the chance of being stuck in a heavy traffic is quite high. This is one of the reasons people choose riding their motorcycles to reach their daily destinations with much ease. Another thing is; some types of motorcycles are more fuel-efficient compared to utilizing other kinds of vehicles. This enables the bike owners to save more money for their other expenses.

On the other hand, due to the increasing popularity of motorcycles, rapid growth in the number of motorcycle accidents has resulted. Each year, at least five percent of all road accident casualties are attributed to motorcycle crashes. As we clearly perceive, motorcyclists are considerably unprotected in a motorcycle since it has no protective metal cage to ensure the safety of the rider. In addition, motorcycles also lack any safety gadgets such as air bags, windshields and safety belts. Thus, it has no match to a fearsome trucks or any other four-wheeler.

To lessen the possibility of being involved in a motorcycle accident than can cause serious personal injuries, the riders may follow these tips:

- Be courteous and respectful to other motorist who uses the roads

- Never practice tailgating

- Avoid riding a motorcycle when you are under the influence of liquor

- Do not ride between slow moving vehicles

- Recognize and follow the traffic rules and ordinances

- Reduce the noise produced by the motorcycle

- Utilize signals whenever necessary

- Be cautious especially at road intersections

- Always check the side mirrors for possible upcoming vehicles - Be watchful on road hazards and defects as well as traffic problems ahead

- Always be on the road position where the other motorists clearly see you

- Maintain a safe speed that you are most comfortable of and with consistency to your driving capability and road conditions - Have a complete check up on your motorcycle especially the brakes

- Wear your protective gears such as a helmet, jackets, proper footwear and gloves

There are still other ways to prevent motorcycle accidents and injuries. These can be well understood if you will try to attend a motorcycle-riding training. However, if you are already engaged in these accidents, do not accept the fault better consult a motorcycle accident attorney to determine if you have a case to pursue. Your legal counsel will evaluate the incident. Then, if he finds a liability or fault on the other party, he will help you in recovering damages against the defendant. Keep in mind that the law entitles all the motorists with such protection that they are worthy of. We just have to know how to utilize those rights.

Safe Riding Tips

• Always wear a helmet, it is the stepping stone of motorcycle safety, the helmet should pass the standard quality test and the strap should be properly locked.
• Read the owners' manual properly to familiarize yourself with starting, acceleration, braking.
• Familiarize yourself with the motorcycle in places which don't have a heavy traffic.
• Ride alone if you are not confident of taking a pillion rider, because you could be putting your life as well as that of the pillion rider at risk.
• Apply the brake judiciously to avoid skidding and overturning, also apply the clutch for a better effect.
• Always be careful of four wheelers and heavy vehicles like the buses and lorries as collision with them could be fatal.
• A major problem with two wheelers is that they sometimes can't be spotted clearly by other vehicles, so a two wheeler rider should wear bright colored clothes, honk and use headlight to attract the attention of the bigger and heavier vehicles when necessary.
• Don't change lanes frequently, and stick to the lane marked for the two wheelers.
• Stop at the red light and before the stop line; make sure that you don't step up the gas when the light turns amber, because amber light tells you to slow down.
• Carry a valid driving license along with all the necessary and relevant papers of the bike. Make sure your bike is insured to take care of certain mandatory expenses in the event of an accident.
• Don't talk on the cell phone while riding, it can lead to distractions and hence accidents. If you are in a profession which makes it mandatory for you to stay connected use a hands free or park your two-wheeler at the roadside, finish the conversation and then resume your journey.
• Ride very carefully during the monsoons as in the wet conditions the braking distance doubles so does the chance of accidents.
• Always take a less congested route even if it means you have to spend that extra bit of time to reach your destination.
• Don't over speed on roads, which are unfamiliar to you, as potholes can cause your two-wheeler to overturn.
• Alcohol and two wheelers are a deadly mix, avoid it.
• It's an art to balance a two wheeler; the rider should be erect and sit at a correct distance to enable quick reactions and a safer journey.

If these riding tips are followed religiously it will cut down the chances of accidents and make two-wheeler
riding an enjoyable experience.

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