3 Tips to Prevent a Motorcycle Accident That Can Save Your Life

In most cases, an accident involving a motorcycle is not the fault of the motorcyclist. However, there are ways you can prevent one. Here are a few ways you can avoid life-threatening injuries if you are operating a motorcycle.

1. Slow Down

Illinois does not have helmet laws, so while you are not legally obligated to wear one, if you tend to drive fast, you should wear a helmet. The faster you go, the less time you have to react to oncoming vehicles or flying debris. You may also fail to see an upcoming turn or a blind spot.

As a result, you may panic, apply the brakes and go over the handlebars of your motorcycle. You might even slide underneath your bike into the path of oncoming cars or pedestrians. If you remain within the speed limit, you can spot potential hazards in enough time to slow down and avoid them. A second could be all the time you need to prevent fatal accidents.

2. Wear Appropriate Gear

A helmet is not the only safety equipment you should wear riding your motorcycle. Other items include thick riding gloves, jacket, goggles, pants, boots and rain gear if it is raining. Goggles will protect your eyes from flying debris as you travel. If you get into an accident, your thick clothing will protect you from suffering road rash from the pavement.

Don’t buy random gear. Go to a store and ask to be fitted for appropriate motorcycle safety equipment that molds to your body and meets safety standards.

3. Give Plenty of Space to Vehicles

One of the most common motorcycle accidents in the U.S. is when a vehicle traveling towards you fails to notice you, turns left into your path, resulting in an accident. Whether they weren’t paying attention to the road or were distracted, drivers usually lookout for other vehicles, not motorcycles - making you particularly vulnerable.

You can avoid this scenario by leaving plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front of you. This will give you ample time to spot if vehicles are going to turn without warning. If they do, immediately slow down and give them a wide berth as you go past them. Also keep a lookout for gaps in traffic – a vehicle may try to come through the gap, and you may unable to take evasive action until it is too late.

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident in Schaumburg, Illinois, and need trustworthy legal representation to recover damages, get in touch with us at IAmCallingMyLawyer.com. Don’t wait until it is too late to get the compensation you deserve and need. We offer free legal consultation for injured clients who are seeking medical and property damage compensation. If need be, we can aggressively represent your case in court. Get in touch with us today.