Safe Driving Tips from a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Lanham MD Trusts
If you’re in need of a motorcycle accident lawyer Lanham MD trusts to protect its rights, contact Cohen & Cohen Our attorneys have represented personal injury clients for more than 20 years. Our clients know that we are invested in their best interest, and will fight tirelessly for their rights. We’ve served more than 10,000 personal injury clients and look forward to serving many more.
Motorcycles: The Basics
Riding motorcycles is a passion shared by many. There’s a sense of freedom and excitement associated with riding motorcycles that you simply don’t experience while riding in a car. Unfortunately, as a motorcyclist you face certain risks that are not usually associated with driving a car. These include:
- Less visibility on the road. Because motorcycles have a smaller profile than cars, they can be hard to see which can lead to cars and trucks colliding with them.
- Higher possibility of injuries. Motorcyclists can be more vulnerable that drivers of cars. In part this is because a motorcyclist is more likely to come in bodily contact with the pavement which can cause serious lacerations, broken bones, and other injuries.
If you ask a motorcycle accident lawyer Lanham MD relies on for guidance, he or she will probably agree that these issues are a factor in many motorcycle related accidents. They may also tell you that those issues can often be avoided if they are addressed proactively. In other words, prevention is key. While not everything is in your control, as a motorcyclist there are several precautions you can take:
Five Safe Driving Tips
- Wear protective clothing. Heavy riding gear, such as protective leg and arm wear, can protect the surface of your skin should you come in contact with the hard, abrasive pavement. A good motorcycle accident lawyer Lanham MD trusts will strongly urge you to wear a helmet as well. Not every helmet is the same, so it’s important to do you research and choose protective headgear that can stand up to harsh weather. A few dollars’ difference could save your life or prevent a serious brain injury.
- Don’t ride in bad weather. This tip can be difficult to live by, especially if your motorcycle is your only form of transportation. However, keep in mind that if you ride your bike when the road surface is slick, icy, or otherwise dangerous for a two-wheeler, you may be subject to far greater risks of injury. Have a backup plan in case you can’t ride your bike to your next destination.
- Drive defensively. Drive your motorcycle as if nobody can see you because, often times, they can’t. Motorcycles and motorcyclists can be harder to spot as compared to most cars and other vehicles. Drivers who are distracted are more at risk for not seeing you and possibly colliding with your motorcycle. As part of your defensive driving strategy, do the following:
- Signal early, using your arm in addition to your motorcycle’s turn blinker.
- Make eye contact with other drivers as much as possible to be sure they see you.
- Don’t be afraid to use your horn if someone is signalling to move in front of you and they’re too close.
- When riding alongside parked cars, keep plenty of distance between you and the car doors. This may help you avoid a distracted driver as they enter or exit the vehicle. Many motorcyclists have been severely or fatally injured after getting sideswiped by a car door that unexpectedly blocked their path.
- Perform regular maintenance. At least once a month be sure to check these critically important functions on your motorcycle. A simple run down of this list can be the difference between arriving safely and getting into an accident:
- Is your headlight working and at full strength? Clean it often and replace the bulb at least annually.
- Are your running lights operable?
- Do the blinkers work? If the housing for any of your lights is cracked or missing, replace it to maximize its visibility.
- Are the brake lights working? Are the brake pads in good condition?
- Are all engine mechanics in working order?
- Are your tires in good to excellent condition? Is the tread still good and are the tires properly inflated?
- Consider taking a motorcycle safety course. Safety courses are usually offered for beginners as well as for expert or advanced riders who want to improve their motorcycle driving skills. A motorcycle accident lawyer Lanham MD accident victims have spoken with can tell you that if some of their clients had taken a safety course, they may have avoided the accident completely.
- Learn how the fuel system works. If your motorcycle has a carburetor instead of fuel injectors, more than likely it uses a fuel petcock valve to control the fuel flow. The on and off settings are self-explanatory, but knowing when to switch it to “Res” or reserve can prevent you from running out of fuel while driving. Learn when to use it and how to switch it on without looking.
- Use anti-lock brakes. An anti-lock braking system can make all the difference between you being able to stop in time and you having to lay the bike down because you’re entering an uncontrollable skid.
According to a recent report by the Governors Highway Safety Association, over 5,000 people died in motorcycle accidents in 2015. That’s a 10 percent increase over the previous year. More than one motorcycle accident lawyer Lanham MD drivers respect can tell you that this number may increase further if motorcyclists do not take proper safety precautions.
Contact a Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Lanham MD Trusts
Consider Cohen & Cohen when you need a motorcycle accident lawyer Lanham MD motorcyclists hire for legal assistance after being involved in a collision. We have recovered more than $100 million on behalf of our clients. Our attorneys are experienced in representing personal injury victims. We are as aggressive as necessary when it comes to protecting their rights and making sure that they recover every dollar they deserve. When you need a motorcycle accident lawyer Lanham MD recognizes as one who cares about their clients, call Cohen & Cohen
