Now that summer is here, it’s natural to want to get out and enjoy warm weather activities. Because the days are longer and warmer, now is the perfect time to go for a beautiful motorcycle ride along the scenic roads of New York. While riding a motorcycle can be extremely thrilling, it can also be incredibly dangerous. Unfortunately motorcycle riders are 28 times more likely to lose their lives in a fatal driving crash compared with other motorists on the road and are also four times as likely to sustain a serious injury in a collision.
Even though you can’t control the actions of other drivers on the road, there are a few key safety tips you can follow to help you avoid a motorcycle accident. Keep reading to learn more about how to help prevent a motorcycle crash so you can feel more confident when you hit the road this summer.
Avoid riding when it is difficult to see
Limited visibility caused by inclement weather or when the sun goes down can make it extra difficult to see while on the road. Since motorcycles are much smaller than automobiles, it can already be hard to see them when there are no visibility limitations, so it makes sense that it is even more challenging to see when it is raining, or dark which makes your chances of getting in a crash higher.
During these times it is also more difficult for you to see while riding your motorcycle. Because of this, it is easier for you to get into an accident because you may miss hazards like potholes or animals, or the roads may be too slick to drive as you normally would in clear/dry weather. If you have to drive at night or in the rain, study up on the safest ways to do so and make sure you wear the right gear so you are protected and visible.
Wear the right outfit
In New York our summers can get extremely hot, which makes it tempting to strip down to shorts, t-shirts, and sandals to brave the heat. While this outfit is great for staying cool, it’s not ideal for riding a motorcycle. Instead, it is recommended that you wear long pants and sleeves made of leather or another thick, protective material as well as gloves, eye protection and durable boots that cover your ankles, so you are as safe as possible while riding a motorcycle. This may make you warmer than you’d like, but the breeze will help cool you down and you’ll gain peace of mind that you are making safety a priority.
Stay alert
Arguably the most important safety tip for motorcycle riders is to stay as alert as possible. Distractions can be deadly, especially on the road and this means you should remain as alert as possible the entire time you’re on your motorcycle. Pay attention to the road ahead as well as fellow drivers for your best chances of avoiding a crash and ensuring you are able to react swiftly to any close calls.
Help on Long Island for motorcyclists
According to Forbes, August is the most dangerous month for motorcyclists with 14% of all fatal motorcycle accidents occurring this month. By contrast, only 3% of fatal motorcycle crashes happen in January which is the safest month. Since better weather in summer months is linked to more motorcycles on the road and therefore more accidents, now is the time to really focus on the top safety precautions to follow so you and your passengers are as safe as possible.
Victims of motorcycle accidents can be left with a lifetime of hardship due to life changing injuries. When these accidents occur because of another driver’s negligence, victims have the right to be fully compensated for the losses they suffer as a result. Mark T. Freeley, The North Shore Injury Lawyer, is passionate about helping clients on Long Island every step of the way and has decades of experience in representing clients who were injured in motorcycle accidents.
Give Mark a call at 631-495-9435 to discuss your motorcycle accident and take advantage of a free consultation where you can have all of your questions answered and learn more about your legal options.
