How To Prevent A Motorcycle Accident in California

How To Prevent A Motorcycle Accident in California

Riding a motorcycle does not have to be dangerous, yet the risk of fatality in a motorcycle accident in California is 28 times higher than that of a car accident.
 
As a motorcyclist, what can you do to keep yourself and other road users safe when you are on your motorcycle? Thankfully, there are plenty of ways that you can ensure you do not become an accident statistic.
 
Here are some ways to prevent a motorcycle accident in California.
 

1. Do Everything Possible to Let Other Drivers See You

 
The problem with being on a motorcycle is that you take up less space on the road. Compared to many other vehicles, as a motorcyclist, drivers might easily miss you.
 
Turn on your headlight, even in the daytime.
 
Think about the clothes that you are wearing. You might look the part in your smart black leather jacket but it is not going to jump out and catch anyone’s attention.
 
Think about switching the plain black leathers for something with some neon flashes in them.
 

2. Wear Motorcycle Safety Gear

 
It may seem cool to ride your motorcycle and feel the wind in your hair, but if you are riding without a helmet, you are putting your life at risk.
 
Similarly, if you set off without gloves and protective padding in your clothing and wear thin clothing, you run the risk of severely injuring yourself if you did come off your bike.
 
Motorcycle safety gear should not be considered as an optional extra. It is there for your safety, and it could make the difference between life and death in the event of an accident.
 

3. Stick to the Local Speed Limits 

 
Your motorcycle may be able to hit some high-speeds; however, that does not mean that you should be riding that fast.
 
The faster you are going when you are in an accident, the more severe it will be. Not only could you make the accident far worse for yourself, but your speeds will also have an impact on the drivers of the other vehicle.
 
Observe the speed limits in the areas that you are riding and stick to them.
 

4. Do Not Drink and Ride

 
It should go without saying that riding your motorcycle while you are under the influence of drink or drugs is not only illegal; it is dangerous.
 
Even a small amount of alcohol can have an impact on your ability to ride your motorcycle safely.
 
By getting on a motorcycle when you are under the influence, you are putting other people’s lives at risk, as well as your own.
 

5. Avoid Riding in Blind Spots and Door Zones

 
If you are driving near to another vehicle, you should do everything that you can to avoid driving inside a driver’s blind spot.
 
The blind spot in driving is an area behind the vehicle that cannot be seen by the driver through either their rearview or side mirrors.
 
When a driver ca not see their blind spot, it may lead to them making a maneuver that could put your safety at risk. This is why you must have an awareness of the areas in proximity to another vehicle that you are not visible.
 
Stay back from the vehicle in front. If you can see your reflection in their side mirrors, then the driver can see you. However, if you are too close, they may not.
 
But it is not only the distance behind a vehicle that you should worry about. When passing parked or moving cars, you should leave at least a doors width between yourself and the vehicle. This will prevent a common motorcycle accident in California.
 
If a driver or passenger were to open their door without seeing you, this could end in a catastrophic accident.
 

6. Keep Your Motorcycle Well Maintained

 
Before you ride your motorcycle, you should always do some checks to make sure it is safe to ride. All of the parts of your bike need to be in good working order.
 
You should always check your lights, brakes, tires, and exhaust every time you ride.
 
Your lights need to be working so that other road users can safely see you. Your indicators should be working so that you can let people know your intentions on the road.
 
You need to be able to stop safely at all times, and your brakes should be responsive.
 
Your tires will help your motorcycle safely grip the road. Weak grip and low pressure can cause you to be unstable while riding. This is particularly important on wet or icy days.
 
Finally, your exhaust system should be firmly attached to the bike and should not be puffing out any black smoke.
 

7. Prevent A Motorcycle Accident in California by Remaining Vigilant

 
A motorcycle may not be the fault of the rider all of the time. In fact, many accidents are caused by other motorists. It is essential that you stay alert at all times. This means always looking around you for potential hazards.
 
Pay particular attention to busier roads where cars may come from all angles. Stop signs and intersections are areas of particular importance. Many drivers will fail to give way to oncoming or passing traffic.
 
Be careful of people stepping out onto the road, or opening their car doors. As a motorcyclist, you may not be as easy for people to spot.
 

How Can A Lawyer Help?

 
While you can do your very best to prevent a motorcycle accident in California, there may still be times when they still happen. Even the safest riders are still at risk from the mistakes of other motorists.
 
If you are unfortunate enough to be involved in a motorcycle accident, despite practicing safe riding, then you may be able to claim compensation from the other driver.
 
Contact Sweet James today to discuss your potential claim. We are happy to answer any of your questions, even if you are unsure whether you will be eligible to file a claim.
 
Call us at (800) 500-5200. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.