Motorcycle safety is something that all motorists should be aware of. You might have heard the saying: “There are only two kinds of riders, those who have crashed and those who are going to crash.” Unfortunately, about 222 motorcycle accidents happen each day. Of those crashes, 184 cause serious injury. An even scarier statistic is the fact that 10 people die each day in motorcycle collisions. Staying safe should be the priority of all motorcyclists. Below, we tell you important safety tips that you’ll want to know before taking your bike out for a ride.
Don’t use Medication Before Riding
If you are on prescription medication for a medical condition, you should be very aware of how the side-effects impact your ability to control a motorcycle. Some prescription medications cause dizziness or drowsiness which can contribute to an accident. Speak with your doctor about how your medication might affect your diving capabilities.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Monitor what’s going on around you by keeping your head on a swivel. Use your mirrors to assess and keep space between you and other vehicles. Don’t tailgate other cars and don’t let other drivers tailgate you. The more space you keep, the less likely you are to be involved in a collision.
Wear Safety Gear
If you are riding in a state where helmet use is optional, you should probably opt to wear one. Head injuries can be fatal, even if they happen at low speeds. While a helmet won’t protect your head from all injuries, it can still reduce, and sometimes prevent, damage to your cranium.
Want to learn more about safe riding? Contact our Chicago team of motorcycle accident attorneys, or call (312) 888-8700 to learn more safety tips.