North Carolina Motorcycle Safety for Drivers

North Carolina Motorcycle Safety for Drivers

Motorcycle Safety Tips

Without the safety features provided to the drivers and passengers of cars and trucks, motorcyclists are much more likely to be injured in crashes (See sources). According to data compiled by the Insurance Information Institute, there were about 8.4 million motorcycles on the road in 2013, and the need for motorcycle safety has never been greater.

Some ways to stay safer on a motorcycle include:

The Proper Training

Training is one of the most effective ways to stay safe and minimize the risk of injury. There are many organizations across the country that offer United States Motorcycle Safety Education courses, including state agencies, non-profit organizations, and corporations.

The Right Clothing and Equipment

One of the main reasons that motorcyclists are killed in accidents is because the motorcycle itself provides little or no protection in a crash, and the rider was not wearing the proper protective clothing and equipment. Helmets, eye protection, and protective clothing not only increase riding comfort but also reduce the severity of injury should the rider get into an accident.

Defensive Driving

Motorcyclists need to ride confidently and assertively — not timidly or aggressively. An assertive rider practices defensive driving by using choosing a position in a lane to help increase their visibility in traffic, while an aggressive driver often disregards lanes entirely. Weaving in and out of traffic, riding on the shoulder of the road, and lingering in another motorist’s blind spot are all aggressive driving practices that can result in accidents.

Be Aware of Road Conditions

The most adverse weather conditions for a motorcyclist are rain, excessive heat, and extreme cold. If a motorcyclist must ride in these conditions, he should take a short break every few hours to avoid fatigue, slow down if visibility is poor and, when in the middle of a long trip, consider stopping for the night as opposed to continuing on, as operating a motorcycle at night can be challenging even under normal weather conditions.

Maintain Your Motorcycle

A motorcycle requires a high degree of maintenance, and part of the responsibility of owning one is either performing this maintenance or seeing that it gets done. The simple act of washing and detailing a motorcycle can reveal areas of concern, and changing the oil regularly, every three months or 3,000 miles, will keep a motorcycle running smoothly. Chain tension and lubrication are very important, as is tire inspection. If you buy only one motorcycle maintenance tool, it should be a good quality air pressure gauge – the investment might save your life.

Contact Our Motorcycle Accident Lawyers in Winston-Salem

If you want to learn more about motorcycle safety, contact the Winston-Salem motorcycle accident attorneys at Nagle & Associates, P.A. online or call (800) 411-1583 and schedule your free initial case evaluation today.