How to stay safe on a motorcycle and what to do when it’s not enough to prevent an accident

When you’re riding the open road, soaking in the feeling of freedom, you’re likely not thinking about the risks of driving a motorcycle. There’s huge appeal to the camaraderie and adventure that beckon.

Unfortunately, whether you’re thinking about it or not, riding a motorcycle is statistically riskier than driving a car. In fact, according to the Canadian Medical Association Journal, motorcyclists are three times more likely to be injured and ten times more likely to sustain severe injuries.

Compared to car drivers, there are few motorcyclists on the roads, yet they’re significantly overrepresented in accident statistics. In part, this is because motorcycles are less crash-worthy, less visible, and more vulnerable to weather conditions.

Despite this, bikers continue to draw new enthusiasts. If you’re a motorcyclist, it’s important that you take steps to protect yourself. We’ve pulled together a few tips that will help keep you safe on the roads when out on your bike.

Even the most cautious motorcyclists have an increased risk of injury, though. If these safety recommendations aren’t enough to keep you safe and you find yourself injured in a motorcycle accident, contact a personal injury lawyer to make sure your rights are protected and you get the compensation you deserve. Keep reading to find out what you need to know.

Staying safe on your bike

There are a number of things you can do as a motorcyclist to make your ride safer. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police offer the following guidance:

1.     Wear the right protection. This includes a government-approved helmet as well as eye protection and gloves. If possible, choose gear in bright colours to increase your visibility to drivers.

2.     Be aware of your surroundings. When you’re on a bike, it’s easy to get caught in a driver’s blind spot. Keep a safe distance from cars, slow down when you’re entering intersections, and drive defensively.

3.     Ride within your limits. Consider taking a government-approved motorcycle operating course. Practice your skills on quieter roadways away from traffic, and always choose routes for group rides that can be handled confidently by everyone. This means accommodating the driver with the lowest level of skill and experience.

4.     Drive at your best. It goes without saying that it’s always safest to operate any vehicle when sober. Follow all traffic rules and be proactive about knowing your surroundings. Make eye contact with other drivers when possible.

Know your rights

As a motorcyclist, you have responsibilities, just like any other driver. You’ll need to have a license, be insured, and hold valid permits and safety certificates for your bike.

You’ll also have the same rights as any other driver on the road. Besides the right of way and other traffic regularities, you have the right to dispute infractions of any other drivers. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may have the right to compensation.

This is where a personal injury lawyer can help. Having a lawyer will make navigating the system easier, ensuring all of your rights are protected and you get the best outcome possible. In addition, personal injury lawyers will often cover your expenses until you're compensated, meaning you’ll have the funds you need to get medical care and treatment.

It’s the job of a personal injury lawyer to expertly represent you so that you and your family can focus on your recovery. They’ll help you gather information, fill out forms, and manage deadlines for making a claim. If you decide to go to court to seek a judgement, they’ll prepare evidence and fight on your behalf to seek compensation. Throughout the process, the guidance and expertise of a skilled lawyer will alleviate your stress and robustly defend your rights.

Enjoy the ride

Even though motorcycle safety has improved significantly over the past century, it continues to be riskier than driving a car. 2020 was one of the deadliest in recent years in Canada’s most populated province, with a 60% spike in motorcycle deaths.

If you’re going to drive a motorcycle, it’s essential that you take precautions for your own safety. More than half the time, motorcyclists are at fault in fatal crashes.

However, this means that about 40% of the time, someone else’s negligence is the cause of the collision. If you’re a motorcyclist who’s been injured in an accident and you believe the other driver is at fault, be sure to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. Part of your recovery may depend on getting the fair compensation you deserve.

Enjoy the ride, but don’t forget to be cautious. And if you do get injured in an accident, know your rights and call a lawyer to make sure they’re protected.

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Created on Sep 6th 2022 05:52. Viewed 86 times.

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