5 Top Safety Tips for New Motorcycle Owners
Now that June is here and spring is finally upon us, most people are eager to get outdoors. If your summer plans include buying a new motorcycle or jumping on one for the first time, it’s important to educate yourself about the risks of riding. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists are 34 times more likely to die in a collision than someone behind the wheel of a car. In honor of a long-overdue spring and motorcycle safety awareness month, let’s take a minute to review the top five safety tips for new motorcyclists.
Staying Safe on the Open Road
Whether you’re a novice rider or an experienced motorcyclist riding again after the winter months, it’s important to stay safe.
- Buy the Right Bike for You
Like cars, not all motorcycles work for everyone. Depending on your lifestyle and your body type, a large bike might not suit you. Similarly, heavier bikes work well for people who can handle them. Test drive several different models and work with a knowledgeable sales representative who can (literally) steer you in the right direction. If you have your heart set on a particular style or brand, remember that you will enjoy yourself more if you’re comfortable and in control of your bike. You will also stay safer.
- Wear Protective Gear
The leather gear you see in motorcycle dealerships and shops might help you look the part, but it’s really designed to serve a more practical purpose: safety. Road rash accounts for some of the most horrendous injuries suffered by motorcyclists in car crashes. It’s not uncommon for riders to require amputations after skidding against concrete during a collision. Long sleeves, over-the-ankle pants, gloves, and sturdy shoes should be standard regardless of the weather.
- Practice, Practice, Practice (Riding)
Riding a motorcycle is not like driving a car – or riding a bike. Before you drive anywhere, your first stop should be at a motorcycle instruction course. Experience will give you confidence, which will improve your reaction time if you encounter a close-call on the road. Check your local Department of Motor Vehicles for class offerings. Many motorcycle manufacturers also offer classes led by certified teachers.
- Don’t Skip the Helmet
In New York State, motorcyclists (and their passengers) are required to wear helmets and protective eyewear. More importantly, motorcycle helmets save lives. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, half of all fatal motorcycle accidents in Hempstead involve cyclists without helmets.
- Keep an Eye on the Weather
Avoid inclement weather whenever possible. Rain is especially dangerous for motorcyclists. In addition to reducing your visibility, wet pavement makes it difficult for your tires to grip the road, compromising your ability to make sudden maneuvers and quick turns.
Motorcycle Personal Injury Lawyers
At Isaacson, Schiowitz & Korson, we help accident victims receive fair compensation for their injuries. If you have been hurt in a motorcycle accident, call our experienced attorneys today at 212-240-0365 for a free consultation about your case.
This website has been prepared by Isaacson, Schiowitz & Korson, LLP for informational purposes only and does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. The information is not provided in the course of an attorney-client relationship and is not intended to substitute for legal advice from an attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
