Follow These Tips to Stay Safe as a Motorcycle Rider

Miami is well-known for its share of traffic and aggressive drivers. Every ride exposes motorcycle riders to countless dangers. Because of this, it is important to wear protective gear, use caution, and ride defensively. We will share some of the most common causes of accidents and how to avoid them, as well as safety measures to implement to ensure you’re free of accidents while on the road. The truth is you can do everything right, but still get into an accident caused by a negligent driver. If this has happened to you, you’re in good hands when you contact a Miami biker injury lawyer at A to Z Injury Law. Our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for their clients and will do the same for you.

Wear a Helmet

This is the first and easiest rule to follow to ensure safety while you are on the road. If you are in an accident and experience head trauma, your helmet is your first line of defense. Unfortunately, not all states require by law for riders to wear a helmet (in Florida, you do not need to wear a helmet if you are over 21 and are covered by acceptable insurance), but that doesn’t make them any less effective at preventing serious head injuries.

Know Your Motorcycle

You may be reading this article because you are new to motorcycle riding and want to learn a few more safety tips. An important tip for novices is to learn your motorcycle’s “quirks” in a safe environment before taking it on the road. Even if you have ridden a motorcycle in the past, if it’s not the same one, it will respond differently. Get to know your motorcycle in and out.

Use Caution When Making Left-Hand Turns

It is said that crossing an intersection when another vehicle is making a left-hand turn is the most dangerous maneuver for motorcycle riders. These accidents occur when vehicles make a left turn and collide with the motorcycle, typically while the rider is going through an intersection. You can help prevent a left turn accident by:

• Slowing down your motorcycle
• Checking oncoming traffic
• Observing all vehicles
• Wearing visible clothing

Were you recently involved in an accident while crossing the intersection? 

Contact Eric Alvarez, an accident lawyer at (305) 677-8325.

Look-out for Possible Head-On Collisions

When the front of a motorcycle collides with the front of a vehicle, this is known as a head-on collision. These types of accidents are often fatal for motorcycle riders. Due to the force of the impact, the motorcycle rider is usually catapulted from the bike or crushed on impact. As a rider, there are ways you can prevent a head-on collision, which you may already know:

• Obey the rules of the road
• Be a defensive motorcycle rider
• Don’t ride your motorcycle drunk
• Keep your motorcycle in good condition

If a head-on collision is unavoidable, maneuver your motorcycle towards a stationary object, like a tree, rather than a moving vehicle. This can minimize damage on impact.

Apply Caution When Cars Switch Lanes

As a rider, you probably know that your motorcycle isn’t easily detected in a driver’s blind spot. This can make the roads dangerous when a car ahead of you in the other lane attempts to switch into your lane. Always make sure you can see the driver’s face in the mirror, or at the very least, be able to see the mirrors of the driver in front of you. When in a blind spot, speed up or slow down to get out of the driver’s blind spot.

Lane Splitting

Commuting to or from Miami is no easy feat, particularly during rush hour. Many workers are driving to Miami from cities in the north, so you will experience a good amount of traffic. As a motorcycle rider, it may be tempting to ride your motorcycle between the lanes or rows of slow-moving vehicles. This is known as lane splitting. Although it is illegal, many riders do it anyway.

Another thing you should consider is how dangerous lane splitting can be for you and the other drivers. This dangerous activity significantly decreases your proximity to other vehicles. Even if you are an experienced rider, you put yourself at great risk attempting to maneuver in such a narrow space.

Contact A to Z Injury Law

We know all about Miami’s dangerous roads, having defended clients against negligent drivers. If you need a Miami biker injury lawyer, don’t hesitate to contact A to Z Injury Law. Call (305) 677-8325 to review your claim.