4 Crucial Safety Tips for Motorcyclists
Now that spring is in full swing, motorcyclists across Louisiana are hitting the road and enjoying the thrill of commuting on two wheels. If you ride a motorcycle, it is critical that you are proactive about safety because all it takes is one drunk, distracted, or negligent driver to cause a tragic accident.
The number of motorcycle fatalities in the United States is rising. According to the Insurance Information Institute, 4,976 people died in motorcycle wrecks in 2015, which marked an 8.3-percent increase compared to 2014.
If you were injured or lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash that another driver caused, turn to the Laborde Earles Law Firm. An accident lawyer will evaluate your case to determine if you have grounds for a claim. Call 800-522-6733 to schedule a free initial consultation with an injury attorney in Alexandria.
Read on to learn four motorcycle safety tips that could save your life:
- Wear the Appropriate Safety Gear
Louisiana enacted a universal helmet law in 2004, but your head is not the only body part you need to protect. Business Insider reminds riders that thick gloves and sturdy boots are also essential safety gear.
Additionally, you should wear a reinforced motorcycle jacket to protect your arms and torso in the event of a collision. You may be able to avoid an accident altogether by donning a neon safety vest to help drivers see you.
- Keep Your Eyes on the Road
Unlike a car, a motorcycle responds to your entire body. That means every move needs to be deliberate and carefully calculated.
Keep your eyes on the road and look where you want to go. If your eyes wander, your body will naturally turn toward that direction, which may cause a collision.
- Practice Riding in Low-Traffic Areas
Make sure you feel confident in your skills before you ride on a busy road or interstate. Novice riders should practice in parking lots and suburban neighborhoods where traffic is scarce. You should not ride in heavy traffic until you have mastered your motorcycle’s maximum braking force.
- Monitor the Weather
Poor weather conditions can be disastrous for motorcycle riders. Always check the weather before you hit the road, and if you are going to be out all day, make sure you check the evening forecast, as well. You never want to be caught on your motorcycle in the middle of a heavy rainstorm.
These four tips might reduce your risk of being seriously injured in a motorcycle crash, but all it takes is one negligent driver to cause a collision. If you were injured by a drunk, distracted, or reckless motorist in Louisiana, contact the Laborde Earles Law Firm to discuss your options for recovering compensation.
Call 800-522-6733 to schedule a free consultation with an accident lawyer in Alexandria. You can learn more about car accident claims in Louisiana by visiting USAttorneys.