Did you know that the fatality rate in motorcycle accidents is 26 times higher than the rate for car accidents? While motorcycle riding can bring a sense of excitement and freedom, it is also a dangerous and potentially deadly sport. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned biker, you should practice safe riding at all times, and take necessary precautions to reduce your risk of crashing. Consider the following tips for preventing a motorcycle accident:
- Wear safety gear
Safety gear helps to make riding more comfortable, protect your body from injury, and increase visibility on the road. Wearing a reflective vest or safety jacket with bright colors will allow drivers to see you better, particularly at nighttime. Although there is no mandatory helmet use law in Illinois, wearing a helmet at all times can also save your life.
- Ride at an appropriate speed
Speeding on a motorcycle might feel exhilarating, but it is extremely dangerous to do on active roads. Riders should always keep control of their pace, and obey regular traffic laws. You might also want to ride more cautiously on slippery, wet, or icy pavement. In addition, you should follow the ‘slow in, fast out,’ rule when entering corners because turning too fast can cause you to wipe out or crash into an unforeseen obstacle.
- Stay vigilant at all times
Because most motorcycle accidents are caused by driver error, you will need to be on constant alert, and presume that other drivers cannot see you. Be on the look out for gaps in traffic, where cars can maneuver through without noticing you. Two-thirds of accidents happen when another vehicle violates a motorcycle’s right-of-way; thus, you should be extra careful at stop signs and intersections.
- Avoid blind zones and door zones
Many accidents occur when a driver decides to turn or switch lanes, and cannot see a motorcyclist from his side and rear view mirrors. You can to stay out of the blind zone by situating yourself towards the front of other vehicles, within the driver’s line of sight. Moreover, the area between traffic lanes and parked cars (the door zone) should be avoided. Not only can drivers and passengers unknowingly open their door directly into your bike, but pedestrians can also step out and cause a collision.
- Maintain tires and other parts
Before taking a ride on the road, you should make sure that your motorcycle is properly maintained, with all of its parts in good, working condition. It is recommended to routinely check your tires, brakes, lights, and exhaust system. Tire maintenance will be especially important if you expect to ride throughout Chicago’s winter season.
Unfortunately, some motorcycle accidents are unpreventable, and can happen to even the safest Chicago rider. A collision with a car or truck can lead to serious, debilitating injuries, such as brain damage, herniated discs, and broken limbs. Many motorcycle accident victims are forced to take time off work to recover, and feel overwhelmed by mounting medical bills and other financial burdens.
Luckily, Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. is here to help. If you have been recently injured in a Chicago motorcycle accident due to someone else’s negligence, you can be eligible to receive compensation for damages. Contact an experienced Chicago motorcycle accident attorney today to learn about your legal options. Call our legal team at (312) 236-2900 to schedule your free case consultation. Our car accident attorneys serve clients throughout the Chicago area, including Aurora, Elgin, Hinsdale, Joliet, Naperville, and Waukegan.
