Of all traffic accidents in the U.S., those involving motorcycles have a higher rate of fatalities than passenger cars. In many of these cases, the accidents aren’t necessarily due to a fault of the motorcycle rider—but because other motorists weren’t aware of them. For this reason, bikers must take extreme caution to not only make their presence known, but to also stay aware of their surroundings. If you ride, here are a few sound strategies you can use to increase your on-road awareness and reduce your risk of a motorcycle accident.

4 Ways to Avoid Motorcycle Accidents

1. Create Space

When you ride a motorcycle, always assume that other drivers cannot see you. To reduce the risk of an accident, it’s important to maintain a safe following distance and stay out of other cars’ blind spots. This extra space will provide you and other motorists with more reaction time if an emergency occurs.  

2. Never Take Your Eyes Off the Road

Certain obstacles—such as potholes and oil slicks—can be much more dangerous for motorcycle riders than standard motorists. As such, it’s critical to be aware of the road around you and ahead of you. Avoid distractions at all costs so that you can keep your eyes focused on the road, as well as your blind spots. If you’re changing lanes or approaching an intersection, adjust your speed accordingly and signal appropriately. Always look for oncoming traffic that may not see you.

3. Increase Visibility

There are many ways you can help other drivers see you when you’re riding a motorcycle. For example, wearing a white helmet as opposed to a black one can help reduce the risk of a motorcycle accident by making you more visible. Other strategies to increase visibility include wearing reflective or bright clothing, placing reflective stickers on your vehicle, and making sure all lights work appropriately.  

4. Ride Sober

Riding drunk can slow your reaction time and decrease situational awareness. In fact, in 2017, 28% of fatal motorcycle accidents involved riders who were drunk. To avoid collisions, only get on the road if you’re sober.

If you’re involved in a motorcycle accident, protecting your rights will often require the help of a qualified attorney—such as those at the Bellotti Law Group, P.C. Based in the Greater Boston area, this team of experienced attorneys is well-versed in personal injury representation, including cases that involve motorcycle or car accidents. Taking a personalized approach, these lawyers will help you receive fair and just compensation for injuries and other related damages. For more details on their representation, visit the firm online or call (617) 778-1000.