Defensive Driving Tips for Motorcyclists to Prevent Accidents

According to the United States Department of Transportation, every year, more than 5,000 motorcyclists are killed in crashes in the country. In 2017 alone, there were 5,172 motorcycle-related fatalities, with a fatality rate of 59 per 100,000 registered motorcycles. Compared to the fatality rate for passenger cars, which is 10 per 100,000 registered vehicles, this is very high. 


The chances of a motorcyclist dying in a road accident are 35 times greater than a person driving a passenger car. 

However, even though the percentage of crashes involving motorcycles is quite high, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk. Here are some defensive driving tips to help you stay safe while driving a motorcycle:

Wear Appropriate Gear

One of the most common causes of fatal motorcycle crashes is a lack of appropriate gear. Wearing a quality helmet is a crucial part of driving a motorcycle and can decrease the likelihood of brain injuries and fatalities significantly. You should also wear a motorcycle jacket that is made from a sturdy material to avoid road rashes and severe skin damage that would otherwise require skin grafts and cosmetic surgeries.  

Make Yourself Visible

Visibility is also a significant issue for motorcyclists. Due to the small size of their vehicle, It is easy to be undetected in a driver’s blind spot.  To increase visibility, refrain from wearing dark colors. Wear helmets and jackets that have bright or neon coloring and add some neon highlights to your bike. You can also try to keep the lights of your motorcycle on during the day to make sure other drivers see you.  

Be Extra Careful at Intersections

Collisions involving motorcycles commonly occur at intersections. A car trying to turn left will sometimes fail to see small vehicles such as motorcycles driving in the left lane. By avoiding the left lane when driving through an intersection, you can reduce the risk of getting hit by a turning car. Another good strategy is to slow down but drive cautiously through intersections. Be clear about your intention by either signaling or making eye contact with the other driver to let them know they have the right-of-way.  

Keep Your Motorcycle in Top Shape

Even a small oversight, such as failing to top off the fuel tank before getting on the highway or not fixing a broken light on time, can have severe consequences. If you run out of fuel, you run the risk of having to stop in the middle of heavy traffic or on the side of a busy interstate. It places you at a higher risk of being hit by another vehicle.  

Ensuring your motorcycle is in optimal shape is the first step to safe driving!

If you or a loved one have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Little Rock, AR, you might be eligible for compensation. 

Reach out to the law office of Lisa Douglas and let us file a personal injury claim on your behalf. As an experienced nurse and leading personal injury lawyer, Lisa will ensure the legal representation to get you the maximum compensation for your personal injury claim following a motorcycle accident. 

Contact her today for more information!


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