Preventing a motorcycle accident is every motorist’s responsibility, including the rider themselves, of course. If you use two wheels to traverse Charleston, then you should always have safety in mind. Here at Berthold Law Firm, PLLC, we genuinely care about our clients and the people of our communities, so we have compiled a quick list of helpful motorcycle safety tips every rider should know.
To reduce your chances of getting hurt in a motorcycle accident, remember these basic tips:
- Wear protective gear: The first thing you should do is only get on your motorcycle when you are appropriately dressed for the ride. Use only Department of Transportation (DOT) approved helmets and wear clothing that can protect you from road rash in the event of a wipeout. Jeans, tough jackets, and gloves are all recommended.
- Do not lane split: The act of lane splitting is strictly illegal in Charleston. Not only can lane splitting get you a ticket, but it can also put you in harm’s way. Drivers will not be expecting you to break the law, and so they will be less likely to notice your motorcycle if you are lane splitting beside them.
- Ride while aware: Operating a motor vehicle is dangerous when you are exhausted or intoxicated, even just after one drink. Staying balanced atop a motorcycle is all the more of a challenge. Never get on your motorcycle while drunk, and do everything you can to avoid tired riding. It is better to get to your destination very late than risk a bad motorcycle accident.
- Know blind spots: As a motorcyclist, you do not have many blind spots, if any at all. A quick swivel of your neck and you can see pretty much everything around you. Other motorists are not so visually aware, though. Try to keep your smaller vehicle out of the blind spots of larger cars and trucks.
- Intersection caution: The majority of serious motorcycle accidents happen when a motorcyclist is passing through an intersection. In particular, drivers who are not paying close attention have a hard time noticing smaller motorcycles approaching an intersection and may turn left right in front of the approaching rider. Whenever you are passing through a busy intersection, be on alert for negligent drivers.
- Check your ride: Before you ride, double check the key parts of your motorcycle. The tires, headlights and brake lights, mirrors, clutch, and brakes should be your top concerns. Testing your brakes is especially important.
Charleston Motorcycle Accident Attorneys – (304) 605-2040
Your own preparedness and dedication on safe motorcycle riding is crucial. However, you never know what other motorists are not being safe enough on the road. If you get blindsided by a negligent driver and suffer serious injuries, come to Berthold Law Firm, PLLC to work with a truly compassionate team of motorcycle accident lawyers. With decades of experience and impressive case results backing us, we are confident we can help you with your own case or claim. Contact us now to arrange a free initial consultation.