The Insurance Information Institute (III) reports that more than 90,000 motorcyclists are hurt in collisions nationwide each year. While there are many situations in which motorcyclists become the victim of another driver’s negligence, there are proactive steps that you can take to reduce your injury risk. Notably, new riders face the highest risks of being in a crash. At Lawbike Motorcycle Injury Lawyers, we want to help new riders enjoy the open road while staying safe. Here, our Valdosta motorcycle accident attorneys highlight some of the most common mistakes that new riders make and explain how you can avoid them.
Mistake #1: Not Wearing a Helmet
In Georgia, all motorcyclists are required by law to wear a DOT-approved safety helmet. Nonetheless, too many new riders fail to wear a safety helmet every time they ride—including for short-trips and city driving. Helmets are proven to save lives and reduce the impact of concussions.
Safety Tip: Strap Up Whenever You Ride
The safety tip is simple: Always wear a helmet and ensure it meets safety standards such as DOT. A properly fitted helmet should be snug but not overly tight, with no spaces between the padding and your head. Always secure the chin strap to keep the helmet firmly in place while riding.
Mistake #2: Taking Turns Too Fast
Turning on a motorcycle rider’s skill—and the faster you go, the higher the inherent risk. New riders often misjudge the sharpness of a turn and enter at a speed that is too high. It can lead to loss of control. It is one of the common causes of single-vehicle accidents among motorcyclists.
Safety Tip: Slow Down and Be Caution
Reduce your speed as you approach a turn and avoid braking sharply while turning. Lean into the turn with your bike, and maintain steady throttle control. Practice turning at safe speeds in a controlled environment to build your motorcycle skills
Mistake #3: Riding With a Passenger Before You are Ride
Riding with a motorcycle passenger—whether in a side cab or two-up touring—requires specialized care. Notably, carrying a passenger on your motorcycle can alter the way it handles. You must adjust for the added weight that affects balance, acceleration, and braking.
Safety Tip: Get Training On Riding With a Passenger
Before taking someone on a ride, practice with added weight on the bike. It is a best practice to attend a motorcycle training course that includes passenger riding skills. Further, ensure your passenger knows about proper riding posture and safe practices.
Mistake #4: Assuming Other Drivers See You
Drivers have a duty to look out for the safety and well-being of motorcyclists. Sadly, too many of them fail to do so. Many accidents happen because a driver did not see the motorcyclist. Overlooking the presence of motorcycles is a common issue due to their smaller size and visibility
Safety Tip: Try to Make Yourself as Visible as Possible
Wear bright or reflective clothing and use your headlights even during the day. Make eye contact with drivers if possible, and always signal your intentions early. Position yourself in the lane where you are most visible to other drivers and stay out of their blind spots.
New Riders Can Trust Lawbike Motorcycle Injury Lawyers After an Accident
Are you a new or new-ish rider who was involved in a motorcycle crash? It is imperative that you are ready to fight for justice. The team at Lawbike Motorcycle Injury Lawyers is more than ready to help. Our testimonials and case results demonstrate what we can do for victims and their families. As a law firm that is made up of motorcycle enthusiasts with deep ties to Georgia, we believe in doing what is right by our clients. Our 25 percent contingency fee is significantly below the average rate charged by other law firms. You may be entitled to recover a settlement that includes compensation for motorcycle repairs, medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering.
Contact Our Valdosta Motorcycle Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation
At Lawbike Motorcycle Injury Lawyers, our Valdosta motorcycle accident attorney is a strong, experienced advocate for justice. If you are a new rider who was involved in a motorcycle wreck, we are more than ready to help. Give us a call at 1-866-529-2453 or send us a message through our website for a free initial appointment. We handle motorcycle accident injury claims in Valdosta, Lowndes County, and throughout all of South Georgia.