Defensive Driving for Motorcyclists

Defensive driving is essential for any motorist, butespecially so for motorcyclists. The fact of the matter is operating a motorcycleputs you at a much higher risk of injury or death in the event of an accident.Here are some tips to follow and things to keep in mind while riding to helpyou avoid a motorcycle accident:

• 70 percent of motorcycle accidents occur at intersections. Beware of vehicles that might turn in front of you and always be on the lookout for parked vehicles, trees, bushes, or other structures that may obstruct the vision of other motorists. Always be prepared to react quickly.

• Always double-check side view mirrors before changing lanes or making a stop. Most rear-end crashes result from improper lane shifts.

• Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to road hazards such as puddles, oil slicks, debris, sand and gravel, ruts, potholes, uneven pavement, railroad tracks, wet manhole covers and painted road markings, and other surface inconsistencies. Avoiding road hazards in a safe manner requires that they be spotted from a distance. This way the motorcycle can move around the hazard without making sharp, abrupt movements. Cross railroad tracks as close to 90 degrees as possible.

• Avoid riding in the blind spots of other vehicles. These blind spots occur at the left and right rear of any automobile. Be sure to ride directly beside or in front of the driver in the lane next to you. Do not tailgate or allow yourself to be tailgated.

• Always wear a motorcycle helmet, and always have your headlight(s) on and wear brightly colored clothing. Fluorescent clothing is best and reflective clothing even better, especially at night.

• Avoid riding in the rain if at all possible. If you must ride in the rain, try to at least avoid riding during the first several minutes of a rainstorm, as this is when the road is especially dangerous. Better traction can be found in the tracks of automobiles ahead of you, but be careful not to follow too closely. If caught in a rainstorm, pull off the highway and seek shelter until the rain stops

While following these simple guidelines will significantlylessen your risk of being involved in an accident, they do not eliminate thementirely. If you are involved in an accident, it is in your best interest toseek counsel from an experienced motorcycle accident attorney.