Riding a motorcycle in traffic is very different than driving a car. Unfortunately, motorcycle riding can also be more dangerous, which I see as a motorcycle accident lawyer who helps clients recover from injuries received while riding. To enjoy these vehicles safely and avoid serious accidents, as an experienced motorcycle accident attorney I strongly recommend that new riders review these important motorcycle safety tips.
Take Motorcycle Riding and Safety Training
Some people looking to ride on the roads have been riding dirt bikes for years, while others are newer to riding motorcycles altogether. Regardless, I recommend as a motorcycle accident lawyer that the best thing riders can do to promote safe riding is to enroll in a motorcycle training class offered by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF).
In these classes, riders are trained how to choose the right bike and operate it, which includes how to deal with a variety of safety concerns. Many insurance companies even offer premium discounts to riders who pass these courses.
Buy the Right Motorcycle
Bigger is not necessarily better, especially when it comes to motorcycles. A critical factor in motorcycle safety and the ability to control a motorcycle is its size and motor output. Many riders make the mistake of starting out on a bike that is either too large for them to physically handle or the motor is too large, meaning the motorcycle can move very fast.
From my experience as a motorcycle accident attorney, I have seen cases involving riders who purchased a bike that was simply too big or too fast for them and the injuries that happened as a result. The right bike is one that can be easily held up while the rider is seated, with feet flat on the pavement. Bikes that feel too heavy or are too difficult to keep upright probably are.
Wear Riding Safety Gear Especially Helmets
Extensive research on the use of motorcycle helmets continues to support the fact that motorcycle helmets save lives. Fortunately, New Mexico riders are required to wear motorcycle helmets at all times while riding. Along with approved helmets, as a motorcycle accident attorney, I suggest that riders also wear other riding safety gear that can protect them in an accident. Riders wearing leather jackets and gloves, full pants, and durable footwear will fare much better in an accident than someone wearing jeans and a t-shirt.
Make Wise Riding Decisions
It should go without saying that motorcycle riders must practice basic riding common sense and safe riding habits to avoid an accident. As a motorcycle accident lawyer, I recommend that riders take care when weather conditions are not ideal or even avoid riding when the roads are dangerous or slippery. Motorcycle riders must be alert to other road hazards like soft shoulders, water, sand, or leaves on the road, basically anything that could result in a loss of traction. Riders must also obey all traffic laws, avoid driving around or between other vehicles, and always ride defensively.
Sharing the road safely should be a priority for anyone riding a motorcycle in traffic. Based on my experience as a motorcycle accident attorney, I encourage new riders to create safe riding habits and use common sense to avoid involvement in any type of accident. Following these important safety precautions should help new motorcycle riders get great enjoyment from their bikes and staying safe at all times.
Pofahl Law Firm, P.C.
3736 Eubank Blvd NE Suite D
Albuquerque NM 87111
505-266-3434
