Whether you ride a bicycle, motorcycle, scooter, or just share the road with these riders, it is important to take basic safety precautions to protect our biker friends and neighbors. Bikers and scooters can be especially vulnerable because they do not have the protections of a car or truck surrounding them, and many drivers miss a motorcyclist or scooter-driver when checking their side or rear-view mirrors. Motorcycles are a lot smaller and can blend in when a driver is looking for other cars. It is therefore especially important for all drivers, cars, trucks, motorcycles, etc., to keep a close eye out for a motorcycle or scooter when navigating our roads. Here are our top tips for avoiding a motorcycle accident.
As a motorcyclist, cyclist, or scooter-driver: It is important to take a couple of basic safety precautions to protect yourself and ensure other drivers notice you.
- First, always wear a DOT-Approved helmet at all times when riding your motorcycle or scooter. Without a proper helmet, the likelihood of suffering a traumatic brain injury doubles.
- Second, wear protective clothing made of leather or other thick, protective material. Even on a hot day, long sleeves and pants will help reduce road rash and cuts if you end up on the ground. Bright clothing is also essential to help increase visibility to other drivers.
- Third, similar to normal drivers, it is important to limit distractions. Distracted motorcycle or scooter drivers share not only the normal risks shared by cars and trucks, but additional travel problems: patches of sand, large puddles, potholes, and railroad tracks can all catch a tire and flip a motorcycle or scooter. Reducing distractions can help minimize these additional risks.
- Fourth, considering the design of a bike, motorcycle, and scooter, bad weather can turn a normal ride into a deadly trap. Pay attention to rain and wind to avoid hitting the roads at dangerous times.
As a car or truck driver: Be careful to check twice before making a lane change or turn. Motorcycles and scooters share our roads and have equal rights to the trucks, vans, and cars driving beside them. Not only do we need to check to see if a motorcyclist, biker, or scooter-driver is present, but it’s also important to gauge how fast they are traveling. We are used to calculating our driving moves based on the speed and maneuverability of cars and trucks. It’s important to realize motorcycles may be traveling faster than they originally appear. If you do see a motorcycle approaching, make sure to double-check before pulling into their path.
Contact Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs to Learn More
If something does happen, Gingras, Thomsen & Wachs is here to help. We represent motorcyclists, bikers, pedestrians, and any type of driver who has been involved in an accident. If you or a loved one has been injured, please give us a call and we will guide you through both the healing and legal process.
