How to Reduce Motorcycle Accidents

Though driving a motorcycle may be one of the most adventurous things on the planet, it can also be one of the most dangerous. Personal injury cases involving motorcycle accidents are often some of the most gruesome, with catastrophic injuries involving spinal and cranial damage. Before you are involved in an accident with someone riding a motorcycle, there are a few steps you can take to improve safety for everyone on the road.

Put Your Phone Down

Cell phones account for many accidents on the road. So, as a general rule, you should always have your phone somewhere safe where it cannot distract you from driving. Even something as quick as checking a Facebook notification can lead to seriously injuring a motorcycle rider or worse, it could result in ending their life. For people driving motorcycles, it is unlikely you will be able to operate both the motorcycle and the phone at the same time, so you probably don’t need to take extra steps to avoid cell phone use.

Use Your Signals with Ample Time to React

There are many people on the road today who do not use their turn signals when changing lanes on the highway or when they’re taking a turn. In both instances, these drivers are creating unpredictable and therefore dangerous road conditions for other drivers. It takes less than a second to activate your turn signal and it can save a life. You’ll want to activate your turn signal with enough time for the other drivers around you to actually react to it, so about 5-7 seconds before you change lanes or about 200-300 ft before you get to the turn.

Avoid Rolling Stops – Just Stop

A lot of drivers don’t actually stop when they get to a stop sign. They slow down and then, if they don’t immediately see anyone, they will just proceed through the sign into traffic. Though, in some cases, this may not seem like the end of the world, it can lead to serious accidents. Motorcyclists are one of the most vulnerable groups on the road today and if you don’t make sure that one isn’t coming around the corner, then you can cause serious harm to them.

Don’t Drink and Drive

Though this goes without saying, it should be said again. Drinking and driving puts everyone on the road at risk. So, utilize ride-sharing apps, designated drivers, and other resources to ensure that you don’t get behind the wheel of your vehicle while intoxicated; make the road a safer place for everyone!

Been in an Accident? We Can Help!

Attorney Albers is a very experienced expert in personal injury cases involving motorcycles (or not). Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you get the compensation you need if you do have the misfortune of getting into an accident.