Spring is here! You’ve tuned up your motorcycle and plan on going for a ride but, even with snow off the ground, the roads still pose a few significant hazards. Although other motorists should remain alert to motorcycle riders, bikers also have a duty to stay safe and aware.
Keep the following points in mind for Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.
1. Practice Defensive Riding
Spring weather can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be fully aware of your surroundings. Look at the weather forecast ahead of time and plan your trips accordingly. If you are caught in a sudden rain shower or hailstorm, find a safe place to pull over and wait it out.
The effects of winter are also revealed in springtime. Pay attention to the road ahead and slow down if you see potholes, cracks in the asphalt, debris or gravel to avoid an accident.
2. Be Visible
Many motorists have not seen a motorcycle in months, so your presence on the road could be a surprise. Make sure others can see you day or night, in whichever conditions you travel. Keep your headlights on at night and in dark conditions, wear light-colored or reflective clothing and use your turn signals.
As you ride, always leave enough distance between yourself and the cars in front. Do not position your bike in another motorist’s blind spot and ride with your head on a swivel to prevent a possible collision.
3. Have the Right Gear
Spring days can become much colder in the late afternoon, so you should always have extra clothing packed to stay warm and dry. Proper riding gear can also reduce your risk of injury in the event of an accident. Your jacket, gloves and boots should be in good condition and fit well.
4. Get a Tune Up and Reassess Your Skills
Before going for a ride, always confirm two aspects:
- Your bike is tuned up, cleaned and running properly
- Your own riding skills are still up to par
For maintenance, if you can’t do the work yourself, have a professional assess your motorcycle before you take it out for a ride. As far as your own riding skills are concerned, some people recommend a motorcycle training course.
Trantolo & Trantolo, LLC not only represents bikers – our team rides, too. This experience gives our lawyers a better understanding of the hazards motorcyclists face on the road. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, trust our team for legal representation.
