Top 5 Things to Consider before Hopping on a Motorcycle in Mesa

Riding a motorcycle is one of the most thrilling things that many people do. Riding on that bike with the wind flowing around your body can feel both freeing and empowering. You can take a motorcycle on a long road trip and get a better look at the scenery than you ever have.

But riding a motorcycle can also be dangerous. There are thousands of motorcycle-related injuries and deaths each year in Arizona alone. It’s important that you take the right safety measures so that you don’t become one of those statistics. Here are the top five things you need to do before you get on a motorcycle:

1. Choose the Right Motorcycle

You might want to get on a big hog and look like a boss riding down the road, but you may not be able to handle that kind of bulk and power. You need to choose a motorcycle that is best suited to your personal size and strength, as well as your riding ability. If you’re a newcomer to riding, the right motorcycle for you is going to be much different than what’s right for a more seasoned rider.

Visit a motorcycle dealership to get help selecting the right model for your size and ability. You may even be able to take some riding courses at the dealership to improve your skills.

2. Wear the Right Gear

If you get into an accident on a motorcycle, you don’t have an airbag or a seatbelt to protect you. The only thing that will protect you is what you’re wearing. You should always have on a helmet, a riding jacket, gloves, boots, pants, and eye protection. Your jacket should be thick and fit snugly.

This gear will protect your body from sunburn and windburn, as well as some burns from the motorcycle itself. The right gear will also help you to grip the controls better, which improves your safety. And, of course, the right gear will also protect your body from some injuries if you are thrown from your bike.

3. Drive Offensively

You can’t wait to respond to every obstacle that may come your way when you’re riding a motorcycle. You may not have time to react, and you could end up in a bad accident that could leave you seriously injured. Instead, you need to go on the offensive, looking out for potential problems on the road and taking steps to avoid them before they occur.

Always be looking around you when you are riding so you can be alert of any deviations in traffic or potential obstacles. Know your route ahead of time, as well as any potential hazards, such as road closures or uneven pavement. Leave plenty of space between you and other vehicles, and never drive aggressively. Always follow the traffic laws, no matter how big a hurry you are in.

4. Be Seen and Heard

One of the top reasons that so many people are injured in motorcycle accidents is that other drivers don’t always see them. They may come up on the motorcyclist too fast, or they may change lanes without realizing that the motorcyclist is there.

You can reduce your risk on your motorcycle by making sure that you are easily seen and heard. Wear brightly colored clothing, and put reflective tape on your bike. Choose a motorcycle that has been painted a bright color or that has a lot of shiny chrome. Turn your lights on all the time, even if it is day time, and use your horn liberally to alert others that you are there when they are turning or merging. Stay out of the blind spot of other drivers.

5. Take Care during Group Rides

A lot of motorcyclists like to ride with a group on a long road trip or to go to a big event. While it may seem like you are safer in a group, there are additional risks when you ride with others.

To stay safe in a group, you should always ride with friends whose abilities match your own. Trying to keep up with others when you are underskilled can lead to an accident. Stick to small groups that are no bigger than seven bikes, and pick a person to be the leader of your group. Make sure everyone has enough space to maneuver, and take plenty of breaks so that everyone stays alert.

Taking these steps will reduce your risk when you are riding your motorcycle so that you hopefully won’t get into an accident or suffer any injuries. However, you can’t prevent everything. If you do get into an accident through no fault of your own, you should talk to an auto accident injury about pursuing compensation for your injuries.

Injury Lawyers Mesa may be able to help you if you have been injured in a motorcycle accident. Our committed personal injury lawyers will pursue every legal option to help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us in Mesa today to talk with an injury attorney in Mesa about your options and to start fighting for the compensation you deserve.

Published by:
Injury Lawyers Mesa
1731 West Baseline Road Suite #103
Mesa, AZ 85202
602-600-6001
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injurylawyersmesa.com