Riding a motorcycle as a main source of transportation can be fun, inexpensive, and more time-efficient. However, because motorcycles are amongst the smallest vehicles on the road, riding has the potential to be a very dangerous form of transportation as well. In fact, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that in 2012, 93,000 motorcyclists were injured and 4,957 motorcyclist died due to motorcycle accidents. For this reason, it is important to maintain safe riding habits to ensure safety while sharing the road with other motorists. Below, we have listed 5 tips to help make your riding experience fun AND safe.

1.Don’t share or split lanes.

In many states, sharing or splitting lanes is illegal. However, some states, such as California, have legalized motorcyclists’ ability to share lanes with other motorists. Nonetheless, splitting lanes can be extremely dangerous. This is because many drivers may not be looking for smaller vehicles when changing lanes or making last-minute maneuvers, putting your safety at risk.

2.Abide by speed limits.

It may be tempting to exceed speed limits since motorcycles are usually quick and easy to maneuver. However, this can be dangerous for a number of reasons. For one, road conditions can vary in any area. Some areas may have a lot of debris, some may have loose gravel, and others may have uneven roads. For these reasons, exceeding the speed limit can land you with a much larger risk of becoming seriously injured.

3.Don’t weave through traffic.

Since motorcycles are small and agile, many motorcyclists will weave in and out of traffic in order to reach their destinations quicker. However, this can be extremely dangerous since other motorists may not see you. For example, a motorist in a passenger vehicle may change lanes without using their turn signal. If a motorcyclist is weaving in and out of traffic, the passenger vehicle driver may not see the motorcyclist, causing a detrimental accident.

4.Always use traffic signals or hand signals.

Even though motorcycles are small vehicles, it is important that motorcyclists use turn signals or hand signals appropriately. Without doing so, other drivers may not see your intended, next maneuver and assume that you will stay where you are. By using signals, you let other drivers know what you plan to do. This will make other drivers more aware of your presence on the road.

5.Never ride in another motorist’s blind spot longer than necessary.

Avoiding blind spots altogether is impossible. However, it is important to remain out of other vehicles’ blind spots as much as possible due to the smaller size of a motorcycle. This is extremely important when motorcyclists ride around large vehicles such as buses and big-rig trucks. A collision with this type of accident can be detrimental to a motorcyclist.

By taking the appropriate safety measures when sharing the road with other vehicles, your ride will be more enjoyable and much safer for you and other drivers.

When to Call The Daspit Law Firm

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident due to another driver’s negligence, contact the Galveston motorcycle accident attorneys at our firm today. We believe that every motorist deserves safe driving conditions at any time of day. That is why we defend and fight for victims involved in avoidable accidents. When it comes to your safety and health, you can’t afford to wait. Let us fight for you.

To speak with a Galveston motorcycle accident lawyer, contact The Daspit Law Firm today. You pay absolutely nothing until we win!