Motorcyclists have little protection during motor vehicle collisions, which increases risk for serious personal injury. If you or a loved one has recently been injured in a motorcycle accident, we recommend calling a Grand Rapids attorney as soon as possible. In this blog post, we’ll share our tips for how new motorcycle riders can stay safe and avoid accidents in the first place.
1. Slow Down for Curves in Road
A common mistake new motorcycle riders make is not slowing down enough when entering a curve in the road. Once inside the curve, maintain constant speed so you don’t lose balance and traction. You should never try to accelerate or decelerate dramatically when your bike is leaning over. Learning how to takes practice, but will also prevent you from having to make a call to a personal injury attorney in the future.
2. Don’t Practice Lane Splitting
Lane splitting is when motorcyclists ride between two lanes of traffic that are moving slowly or stopped. If you live in a state where lane splitting is legal, you’ll want to check with before crossing state lines. In many states (including Michigan) is illegal because it increases the motorcyclist’s risk of getting hit by another vehicle. usually happen when another vehicle turns or switches lanes, not expecting a motorcycle to be riding between the two lanes of traffic.
3. Pay Attention to Surroundings While Riding in Groups
It’s easy to get tunnel vision when riding in a group. However, be sure to also look beyond the motorcyclist in front of you so you can see traffic congestion or other obstacles up ahead. Stay alert so you can always respond in time to changing traffic conditions. While can be fun, it’s always important to consider the safety of both you and the motorcyclists around you.
Before riding your motorcycle in a group, you’ll want to wait until you have more experience and feel confident in your skills. Many accidents can be avoided by simply taking the time to get used to riding your motorcycle.
4. Sign up for a Motorcycle Safety Course
Motorcycle safety courses aren’t just for beginners. There are also classes available for experienced motorcyclists who want to brush up on their skills. By taking a course, you may remember motorcycle safety tips that slipped your mind. Avoid the call to a motorcycle collision attorney by staying safe in the first place.
According to law, you are not required to take a to obtain your motorcycle endorsement as long as you are over the age of 18 and have passed the motorcycle rider skills test. Despite the safety course not being a legal requirement, we still recommend it for new motorcyclists.
READ MORE: What to Do After a Motorcycle Accident >>
5. Watch the Weather
Riding your motorcycle in the rain can increase your chances of getting involved in an accident. Before you ride, check the weather so you’re aware of any possible risks. Even if it looks sunny, a surprise thunderstorm could roll in and put a serious damper on your day. When in doubt, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Need a Motorcycle Injury Attorney?
The Grand Rapids personal injury attorney at Beurkens Law is dedicated to helping clients get the financial compensation they deserve for motorcycle accident injuries. If you are interested in hiring our motorcycle accident lawyer, call our personal injury law firm at (616) 459-5344.
[This blog post has been updated.]
