5 Tips To Prevent Motorcycle Accidents

When you ride a motorcycle on the road with cars, SUVs and even semi trucks, you are very vulnerable. In an accident there is no vehicle surrounding you to add a layer of protection. As a result, motorcycle crashes are much more likely to be fatal or cause a serious injury. If you have a motorcycle, you will want to do all you can to prevent this risk.

Here are five tips from our personal injury attorneys in Los Angeles to help you avoid a motorcycle accident and stay safe, even while enjoying the freedom of your bike.

1. Wear the Right Gear

Always gear up with protective equipment before you ride. This includes a Department of Transportation-approved helmet as well as boots, gloves and eye protection if your helmet does not provide it. Even if these items are not required by law, wearing them will protect you not only in an accident, but also from bugs and flying debris that could cause you to make a mistake that leads to an accident. Also, make sure you wear gear to protect yourself from the cold. The temperature will feel much cooler when you are moving quickly on a motorcycle, so you will want to dress in layers in the cooler months of the year.

2. Make Yourself Visible

Motorcycle accidents often occur because other drivers do not see cyclists on the road. Bright colors and reflective elements on your clothing as well as your bike can help. Keep your headlight turned on, even during daytime rides, so others on the road have a better chance of seeing you. Avoid traveling in blind spots, which puts you at severe risk if the driver decides to change lanes.

3. Take a Motorcycle Safety Course

Even experienced riders can benefit from brushing up on their safety training, but beginners definitely need to give attention to motorcycle safety. You can find these safety classes through the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. After completing the course, you will want to talk to your issuance provider because you may earn a discount on your insurance premiums available as a result.

4. Keep Your Bike Well Maintained

Tires and other parts on your motorcycle need to be in good repair before you hit the road. Make sure everything is in working condition, and pay close attention to the tread and air pressure in your tires. Poorly maintained tires can cause you to lose control of your bike, sending you skidding into the other lane and creating a serious risk of an accident.

5. Be Mindful of Door Zones

If you are riding in a lane near parked cars, door zones can be a serious hazard. When a passenger or driver opens the door to your lane of traffic, you may not have enough warning to allow you to stop. Striking the door could cause a serious accident. If you must use the lane between parked cars and another lane, ride close to the center median instead of close to the parked cars to avoid this risk.

Because motorcycles do not offer the level of protection of a larger, enclosed vehicle, motorcycle accidents tend to create serious, life-altering injuries. If you or someone you love was injured in a motorcycle accident, contact The Law Offices of Jacob Emrani to talk to a Los Angeles motorcycle accident attorney who will fight for you.