Essential Motorcycle Safety Tips for Injury Prevention

Riding Motorcycles Safely

Riding a motorcycle can be an exciting form of transportation and recreation. However, safety should always be the top priority for motorcycle riders. Understanding motorcycle safety basics, wearing proper gear, taking training courses, and riding defensively can help prevent injuries and fatalities on the road.

Wear Protective Equipment

Wearing the proper protective gear is essential for safe motorcycle riding. Helmets are the most important piece of safety equipment. Studies show that helmets reduce the risk of head injury by 69% and reduce the risk of death by 42%. Make sure to wear a Department of Transportation (DOT) approved helmet and replace it when damaged. Other important gear includes eye protection, sturdy boots, jackets, pants, and gloves.

Take a Safety Course

Consider taking a motorcycle safety foundation course, even if your state does not require it. These courses teach critical skills for operating, maneuvering, and controlling a motorcycle safely. They provide hands-on coaching in real-world traffic situations. Many insurance providers also offer discounts for completing these courses.

Ride Defensively

Riding defensively is key to staying safe on a motorcycle. Be aware of other vehicles, road conditions, and potential hazards at all times. Maintain space cushions around your motorcycle. Signal well in advance before changing lanes or turning. Avoid riding in poor weather or low visibility conditions. And never ride impaired under the influence of alcohol or other substances.

Preventing Motorcycle Accidents

While motorcycles make up just 3% of registered vehicles, they account for 14% of all traffic fatalities. However, many motorcycle accidents can be prevented by following safety precautions.

Be Visible

Make yourself more visible to other motorists. Wear bright colors and reflective material. Use turn signals for every turn or lane change. Flash brake lights before slowing down. And keep headlights on even during daylight hours.

Check Blind Spots

Motorcycles can easily get lost in surrounding vehicles' blind spots. Before changing lanes, turn your head to check blind spots rather than relying only on mirrors. Avoid lingering in other vehicles' blind spots.

Mind Traffic Hazards

Watch out for common road hazards that can affect motorcycles. Gravel, debris, potholes, slippery surfaces, railroad crossings, and metal grated bridges can all pose risks. Maintain safe spacing from other vehicles and scan ahead to identify and avoid hazards.

What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident

If you are involved in a motorcycle crash, follow these steps to protect your safety and legal rights:

Seek Medical Attention

Immediately call 911 and get emergency medical assistance if needed. Even if you do not feel hurt right away, see a doctor to get checked for internal injuries, head trauma, fractures, etc. Prompt medical treatment also documents injuries for insurance claims.

Report the Accident

Alert police to come to the crash scene. Cooperate with officers' investigation by providing accurate details. Getting a police report is crucial for insurance and legal claims. If police do not come, go to the nearest police station to file an accident report.

Collect Evidence & Information

Take photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, debris, roadway hazards, traffic signs/signals, weather conditions, and anything else relevant to how the crash happened. Get contact details and insurance information from the other involved parties. Obtain witness statements and contact info as well.

Following motorcycle safety fundamentals, wearing protective gear, riding defensively, and knowing how to respond after an accident can help keep riders safe on the roads.