You can’t always avoid the hazards of negligent drivers, but there are some ways you can improve your chances for a safe motorcycle ride. By following these common motorcycle safety tips, you may prevent an accident or reduce the severity of damages and injuries.
The helmet laws in Texas require anyone 20 years old or younger to wear a helmet while riding on a motorcycle. Riders 21 and older are exempt from this law if they can provide proof of completing a motorcycle training and safety course or proof of appropriate medical insurance coverage. Even if you are exempt from the helmet law, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that helmet use is estimated to prevent 37 percent of motorcycle rider deaths.
Aside from having a good helmet, you should protect the rest of your body with a padded jacket, pants, and gloves. This will help protect your skin from the pavement as skidding on pavement can result in road rash. Good footwear is also important. Choose snug-fitting boots with rubber soles and a slight heel for the best grip on your footholds.
Regular maintenance is important to keep your ride in good operating condition. Especially if you store your bike for the winter when you’re ready to hit the road after a long time between uses, take it in for a tune-up to make sure everything is in working order. Tires can deteriorate, fluids can dry up, and batteries can short out in storage, so make sure everything’s working properly before riding your bike again.
If you ever feel that something’s “just not right” with your bike, get it checked out by a professional. By following the scheduled maintenance as indicated by the manufacturer, you can help avoid equipment malfunctions that could cause unexpected mechanical failure.
The Texas Department of Public Safety offers The Course for Motorcycle Riders which is a motorcycle operation and safety training class required to obtain a motorcycle license. There’s also an advanced course for experienced riders to learn more advanced safety maneuvers and practices, as well as to improve riding skills.
Not only is The Course required for your license, but it also teaches valuable information about motorcycle riding safety. The Course covers important details such as avoidance of collisions, maneuvering within traffic, emergency braking, and other driving tactics so you can better avoid negligent drivers and road hazards.
Even the safest motorcyclists can’t always avoid the actions of negligent drivers. When serious injuries occur from a motorcycle crash and it was the other driver’s fault, you deserve full and fair compensation for your damages. Contact The Law Office of Julie Johnson today to schedule a free consultation regarding your case: 214-290-8001.
