Safety Tips for Motorcycle Riders in Tennessee
May is when riding season gets into full swing in Tennessee and elsewhere. It is also Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Since motorcycles are taking to the roads in increased numbers, it is important that the drivers of all vehicles make an effort to be on the lookout for them because they are not as easy to see as other, larger vehicles. Riders can implement the following safety tips to further increase their chances of having a fun and safe riding season.
One of the most important things that a rider can do to keep himself or herself safe on the road is to avoid mixing drinking and riding. Alcohol is, unfortunately, a factor in many fatal motorcycle accidents. Riding requires quick responses and precision movements, so even a small amount of alcohol can have a negative effect on your riding skills. If you would like to enjoy a few drinks at a party, plan ahead for a ride home with a designated driver.
Another thing that you can do to stay safe is to inspect your bike thoroughly before your first ride of the season. Check for tire wear, brake function, and to make sure that all of your lights work properly. Also check the fit of your helmet and other riding gear to make sure that everything is in good condition and ready for the road. If you do a lot of riding at night, consider adding reflective tape to your bike, your helmet, and even your jacket in order to increase your visibility.
Wearing the proper protective gear can reduce your risk of injury in a crash. Of course, the most important piece of riding gear is a DOT-approved helmet which fits properly. Also, even though it is summer, long pants, gloves, and a jacket made of tough material are essential for your safety. Many items which are designed to be worn by motorcycle riders feature zippered vents to help you stay cool while you protect yourself from burns, abrasions, and other hazards. Proper footwear, preferably boots with rubber soles and a good tread, completes your set of head to toe safe riding gear.
Maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other vehicles can help other drivers to see you. It also helps you to ensure that you have the time and space that you need to react to the movements of other vehicles. To figure out how much space to leave, allow yourself one second per ten miles per hour of speed to reach the spot where the other vehicle just passed.
Summer is road construction season, so it is essential that riders be on the lookout for work zones because they can contain hazards which are particularly dangerous for people who are riding motorcycles. When you are riding in a construction zone, look for exposed manhole covers, uneven pavement, chunks of pavement or other hard debris in the road, and large puddles. Also, be aware that traffic patterns in the area may have changed, and that traffic may be stopping and starting suddenly.
Unfortunately, sometimes even the most safety-conscious riders are involved in motorcycle accidents. If you have been injured or someone that you love has been killed in a motorcycle accident, the knowledgeable Memphis Motorcycle Accident Attorneys at Bailey & Greer, PLLC are here to help you. To learn more, call us at 901-680-9777 to schedule a time to discuss your case. At Bailey & Greer, PLLC, we are small enough to care, big enough to fight, and experienced enough to win.
Since graduating magna cum laude in 2005 from the University of Memphis School of Law, Thomas has helped make a difference in the lives of victims of serious personal injury, wrongful death, and professional negligence. Thomas has extensive trial experience in both state and federal court. Among other victories in the courtroom, Thomas obtained several impressive jury verdicts and settlements
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