How to Avoid a Motorcycle Accident

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Summer is the perfect time to get out on a motorcycle, with the warm weather and long days providing ideal conditions for riding. But most motorcycle riders will warn you about the risks and dangers of a motorcycle accident. If you are out on the roads during the summer season, you need to familiarize yourself with how to avoid a motorcycle crash.

Common Causes of Motorcycle Accidents

Some of the most frequent causes of motorcycle accidents include:

• Speeding
• Tailgating
• Reckless driving, including racing, excessive speeding, or weaving between lanes of traffic
• Failing to move fully over to the adjacent lane when passing a motorcycle
• Drowsy or fatigued driving
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Distracted driving, especially texting and driving
• Driver inexperience
• Unsafe lane changes and turns, including not using mirrors or turn signals
• Failing to yield the right of way to oncoming vehicles
• Running red lights and stop signs

Tips for Motorcycle Riders

When you get on a motorcycle this summer, tips to keep in mind to help stay safe on the road include:

• Make sure you can handle your bike’s performance. Never ride a bike beyond your experience and skill. If you haven’t ridden in a long time, consider refreshing your skills in a parking lot or on a quiet side street, or by taking a motorcycle safety or advanced riding course.
• Practice defensive riding, which includes always following proper safety practices, never assuming what other motorists on the road will do, and always having an “out” in case you find yourself facing a potential accident. 
• Always inspect your motorcycle before setting off, including making sure that your tires and brakes are in good condition, you have sufficient fluids, and that your lights and horn work.
• Stay as visible as possible to other motorists by riding with your headlight, even in broad daylight, and by wearing brightly colored clothing or by adding reflective tape or materials to your jacket or helmet.
• Never ride without a helmet, sturdy boots or shoes, and long pants, and a long shirt or jacket made out of a durable material like leather or denim. These can help protect you from certain injuries in the event of an accident. 

Tips for Drivers

Drivers can also take steps to help prevent accidents with motorcyclists, including:

• Always leave sufficient space between yourself and motorcycles. This includes moving your vehicle fully into the adjacent left lane if you want to pass a motorcycle, as required by law. It also includes not tailgating motorcycles, which can stop much more quickly than larger passenger vehicles. 
• Look before changing lanes, including checking blind spots. If your vehicle is not equipped with blind-spot monitoring technology, make sure to look over your shoulder for motorcycles before moving into the adjacent lane.
• Use caution in intersections, especially when motorcycles are also approaching. Drivers often have a hard time judging the speed of an approaching motorcycle and may proceed through the intersection when they should yield the right of way to avoid a collision.
• Never drive while distracted, which means avoiding cell phone use or other distractions, which can make it even harder for drivers to notice motorcycles. 

Contact a Rochelle Park Personal Injury Lawyer to Discuss Your Case in New Jersey

Did you or a loved one sustain serious injuries due to an accident in New Jersey? Don’t let the medical bills pile up while you wait for the negligent party or their insurance company to do the right thing. Right now, you need an aggressive personal injury attorney on your side, fighting to get you the compensation you need, want, and deserve. The skilled attorneys at The Epstein Law Firm represent clients injured because of accidents in Jersey City, Union City, Bayonne, Hoboken, and throughout New Jersey. Call (201) 380-7687 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation about your case. We have an office conveniently located at 340 West Passaic St., Rochelle Park, NJ 07762.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.