8 Motorcycle Safety Tips to Keep You Safe This Summer

Providence Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Louis W. Grande lays out 8 motorcycle safety tips to help you stay safe while enjoying the warm weather this summer.

With warmer weather on the horizon, motorcycle enthusiasts are hitting the roads for both business and pleasure. And while the summer months are ideal for a relaxing ride, they are also the months when most motorcycle accidents occur. Fortunately, you can help protect yourself and your bike by making safety your top priority every time you head out for a ride. Below are eight motorcycle safety tips to keep you safe this summer.

Motorcycle Safety Tips

1) Dress with safety in mind

The path to a safe ride begins with your selection of the proper gear and clothing. In addition to your helmet, jacket, boots, and gloves, you should travel with rain gear in case you encounter wet weather. Additionally, do not head to your destination without protective eyewear. Ideally, the eyewear you choose should provide 100% protection from UV rays and be highly resistant to glare and flying debris.

2) Choose your helmet with care

“According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, riders wearing a helmet have a 37 percent better chance of surviving a crash than riders without helmets. In addition to safety, helmets offer protection from the wind and sun as well as debris and bugs.” – AARP

A durable helmet is the single most important piece of safety equipment a motorcycle rider owns. In addition to boosting your chances of surviving a potential crash, a well-constructed helmet provides protection from dust and debris. For the best protection, be sure to choose a helmet that is approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT).

3) Never skimp on repairs or maintenance

Keeping your motorcycle in top form is critical to your safety. It is best to follow manufacturer guidelines that pertain to servicing. As a general rule of thumb, it is best to service your bike every six months or every 4,000 miles. Also, be sure to monitor your tire pressure and change your oil regularly. And if your bike requires repairs, do not ignore them.

4) Eliminate distractions

There are enough distractions on the road without knowingly adding more to the list. As unbelievable as it may sound, some motorcycle drivers attempt to use their cell phones, smoke, or eat food while driving. The best way to avoid this pitfall is to pack your cell phone, cigarettes, and snacks safely away during your ride. Resolve not to try to access them until after you have safely arrived at your destination.

5) Know your blind spots

“Veteran riders allow their avoidance of blind spots to rule their entire ride…That should be your number-one goal: staying out of blind spots. You will be safer.” – Nick Ienatsch, Cycle World

Knowing blind spots and avoiding them is a strategy that many veteran riders follow religiously. Generally speaking, a blind spot is an area that another driver is not able to see by looking directly in their mirrors. Take a minute to learn these spots and resolve to stay clear of them.

6) Be extra careful at night and on the weekends

You may be tempted to hit the road in the evening or on Saturday to unwind after a long week at work. Unfortunately, traveling later in the day or on the weekend can put you at increased risk for an accident. If you have a flexible schedule, you can help minimize your risk of injury by scheduling your rides between 3 a.m. and noon when the risk of fatal motorcycle accidents is the lowest.

7) Keep an eye on the pavement

Motorcycle accidents are more likely to occur when roads are slick. In addition to monitoring the weather, keep an eye out for slick spots caused by oil spills, gas leaks, or antifreeze. Also, try to avoid gravel or debris in the road.

8) Post this list of motorcycle safety tips in a visible location

Having a list of safety tips does little good if you never read it or review it. Rather than reading this list once and moving on to the next online article, take a minute to print this list and post it in a highly visible location. By posting these safety tips on your refrigerator or next to your garage door opener, you will receive regular reminders to drive safely.

What should you do if you are injured in a motorcycle accident?

Sometimes even the most careful, dedicated motorcyclists in the world are involved in motorcycle accidents. If you are injured in a motorcycle accident, the most important thing to do is to seek safety and medical attention right away. Then, reach out to an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer for guidance on what steps to take next.

In addition to providing assistance on the spot, a skilled attorney can also review the details of your accident and help you receive compensation for your medical bills and property damage. Most importantly, a personal injury lawyer will support you throughout any and all legal proceedings related to your accident. With an experienced attorney in your corner, you can focus on your recovery and resuming your normal activities.