Experienced Missouri motorcycle riders understand the importance of safety, especially due to the lack of safety features on motorcycles, such as airbags, seatbelts, and lack of protective metal framing. Per vehicle miles traveled in 2019, biker fatalities occurred 29 times more frequently than those of passenger car occupants in traffic collisions. Due to the high number of biker injuries and fatalities, it is essential to take safety seriously.
The best way to ensure you remain protected when riding on a motorcycle is to adhere to the top safety tips and guidelines about staying visible and safe on the road. If you suffered a motorcycle injury in an accident due to motorist negligence, speak with the experienced Missouri motorcycle accident lawyers at Goza & Honnold for a comprehensive assessment of your claim.
Top 6 Motorcycle Safety Tips From Experienced Missouri Riders
In addition to adhering to all local laws and regulations, there are six motorcycle safety tips that you must consider before sharing the road with other motorists:
1. Selecting the Proper Bike
Safety starts with selecting the proper bike before you ride. The most important factors to consider are the power of the bike, the weight, the power-to-weight ratio, and how comfortable you are controlling it on the road.
2. Wear a Full-Face Helmet
Wearing a full-face helmet with a face shield for eye protection may save your life if you are in an accident. In 2017, helmets saved over 1,800 lives, with 749 additional lives that may have been saved if the riders had opted to wear a helmet.
3. Wear Bright, Protective Riding Gear
Most studies show that wearing protective riding gear, especially gear that is fitted and armored, significantly reduces the risk of injury in a motorcycle accident. Additionally, wearing brightly-colored gear may reduce your chances of an accident by 37%. While wearing bright, fluorescent gear might not be your go-to option, it makes a difference in visibility on the roadway.
4. Check the Weather Before Riding
Planning ahead of time greatly reduces your chances of getting into an accident, especially in instances of inclement weather. Snow, sleet, hail, wind, and rain can all make roadways too slick to ride safely.
5. Always Do a Pre-Ride Check
A pre-ride check is imperative before setting out on a trip, even if you’re just heading somewhere nearby. Brake lights, turn signals, tire pressure, and fluid maintenance may all be factors that impact your ability to ride safely. This may also help you anticipate if you need to get your motorcycle serviced before running into an issue on the road.
6. Ride Defensively
Riding defensively and knowing other motorists’ blind spots is an essential part of riding safely. Blind spots are located behind the driver’s door, behind the front passenger’s door, and directly in front of and behind large trucks. Always stay vigilant, and keep a car’s length behind other vehicles so you have plenty of time to react to hazards ahead.
Speak With the Experienced Missouri Motorcycle Accident Lawyers at Goza & Honnold
Even when you follow all motorcycle safety tips and guidelines, motorcycle accidents can still occur due to negligent motorists. If you have been injured in a Missouri motorcycle accident and have sustained losses, such as medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, scarring, disability, or emotional suffering, speak with the experienced Missouri motorcycle accident lawyers at Goza & Honnold.
We have decades of experience and will aggressively advocate for your rights so you may focus on recovery. Schedule a complimentary case consultation today at (913) 451-3433 or fill out our contact form.