15 Motorcycle Driving Tips to Keep you Safe

The motorcycle accident lawyers of Michigan Auto Law recommend you take the following precautions to stay safe while riding your motorcycle:

1. Never drink and drive.
Alcohol intoxication is responsible for 41 percent of all motorcycle fatal crash deaths in the U.S., according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

2. Always wear a motorcycle helmet.
About 59 percent of motorcycle riders killed in 2007 were not wearing crash helmets.

3. Ride defensively.
Approximately 75 percent of all motorcycle accidents involve crashes with other motor vehicles; usually collisions with cars and trucks that fail to see and avoid the motorcycle operator.

4. Do not expect that other drivers will give you the right of way.

5. Overconfidence can be fatal.
Operating a motorcycle takes great skill and coordination. Experience and safe driving practice are the best way to develop your ability to steer, brake and accelerate.

6. Avoid the center of a traffic lane.

7. Avoid driving after rain, or during light rains or accumulations when oil and other substances will pool on road surfaces and create slippery conditions for motorcycles.

8. Watch for roadway debris and avoid construction areas that will increase the likelihood of dangerous objects on roadways.
Although highway road defects are responsible for less than 2 percent of all motorcycle accidents (far less than alcohol and human error), please use good riding sense and choose alternative routes that may present a safer situation.

9. Always ride your motorcycle with your lights on.
Most motorcycles allow you to do this even during the day, which will make you more visible on the road.

10. Choose a crash helmet and biking wear that has bright colors, reflective tape or other materials that will increase your visibility to other drivers.

11. Maintain your motorcycle properly and schedule regular maintenance checks.
Check brakes, and do a routine safety check before getting on your motorcycle.

12. Wear proper eye and face protection.

13. Follow the rules of the road and use good driving judgment.
Remember, just because you can doesn’t mean you should.

14. Slow down around other vehicles, intersections, side streets, and areas where vision areas may be blocked or partially obscured.

15. Never, ever assume another driver sees you.

Michigan Auto Law wishes you safe riding. We have been exclusively handling auto accident cases, including more serious motorcycle accident cases than any other Michigan law firm, for more than 50 years. We can help if you’ve been in a motorcycle crash. To speak with a motorcycle accident lawyer directly, please call us at (800) 777-0028 for a free case evaluation.

Did our motorcycle accident lawyers answer all of your questions about the safe motorcycle driving tips? If not, please contact us and an attorney will respond within one business day.