As summer approaches and the temperatures rise, more and more riders will be out on the road, taking the opportunity afforded by the warm weather to ride. While even seasoned riders must be cautious while riding, it is even more critical that new riders observe established safety rules to ensure that they know how to protect their own safety and the safety of others when out on the road. Below, learn about five ways that new riders can be proactive about safety, and contact a seasoned New York motor vehicle accident lawyer if you’ve been injured in a crash.
- Consider taking a safety course. The New York State Motorcycle Safety Program offers courses for all levels of motorcycle riders, from those who have never been on a bike before to advanced crash-avoidance techniques for seasoned riders. You can never be too well-trained in riding skills.
- Wear the right gear. Without the protective power of car walls, motorcyclists have little protection from the road in the event of a crash aside from the gear they wear. Invest in a good jacket, boots, long gloves, and eye protection to stay safe.
- Think and act defensively. Once you’re on a motorcycle, you’ll realize just how invisible bikes are to passenger vehicle drivers. This makes it important to be constantly watching the drivers around you, since they’re not watching you. Watch out for cars cutting you off in traffic or changing lanes into you on the highway, and keep a safe distance between you and the car in front of you.
- When the weather is bad, leave the bike at home. Riding in the rain makes visibility and maneuvering while on a bike a serious challenge. Additionally, oil on roadways can make roads slippery, especially at the beginning of a rainstorm. Stay off the road if at all possible, but otherwise be sure to brake slowly and take turns deliberately.
- Watch out for hazards. If you haven’t been riding long, you may not realize how differently motorcycles and passenger vehicles handle encounters with potholes or loose gravel. Small bumps can become big problems for a bike. Even wet leaves or sand can cause the narrow wheel base of a motorcycle to lose traction and begin to slide. Driving slower will allow you more time to avoid any hazards you may come across on the road.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a motorcycle crash, contact the seasoned, knowledgeable, and dedicated Bronx accident lawyers at the Kohn Law Firm for a consultation, at 718-409-1200.