Motorcycle Safety

Make Your Ride Safer

Riding a motorcycle can be a fun, safe way to get around. But accidents can also occur, often when people least expect them. That's why it's important to take steps to protect your safety and avoid a motorcycle accident as they can be the most damaging of all to one's body. Maryland motorcycle accident Attorney Stuart L. Plotnick put together this list of suggestions. He based them on years of working with people injured in motorcycle accidents who were helped by the Law Offices of Stuart L. Plotnick, LLC.

smart-helmet If you or a family member has been hurt in a motorcycle accident, contact our law firm and schedule your free case evaluation. We can explain all the legal options available to you. Then help you decide the best approach for your specific situation.

Safety Tips for Motorcyclists

Take a safety course - If you're a new rider - or if you haven't taken a safety course in a long time - consider taking an approved safety course from a certified trainer.
Wear a helmet - As good as it feels to ride without a helmet, wearing one can save your life or save you from a traumatic brain injury. It's also the law. Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC all require motorcyclists to wear a helmet when riding.
Wear protective clothing - Investing in a sturdy leather jacket, gloves, and boots can save your skin from serious road rash, road burn and abrasions.
Provide passengers protective gear - If a friend or loved one is riding with you, make sure they have a helmet and other properly fitting protective gear.
Maintain your bike and your gear - Keep your motorcycle in good working condition. Giving a quick check to make sure your brakes, lights, shifters, and turn signals are working before you head out for a ride could make the difference between coming home safely and getting injured or worse.
Stay visible - Other drivers do not pay as much attention to motorcyclists as they should. Make sure that you stay out of blind spots, avoid weaving through traffic, and use your headlight.
Ride smart - Obeying speed limits, using your turn signals, and braking slowly will make your actions more predictable to other drivers. Do not ride between lanes or on the shoulder to get through stopped traffic. It is a recipe for disaster.
Don't drink and ride - Motorcyclists suffer alcohol related death more than any other motorists. Riding sober greatly decreases your risk for fatal injury.
Ride at a safe speed - While it might seem like fun to race down the street or highway on your bike, obeying the speed limit could save your life and help you avoid a serious motorcycle accident.
Look twice before turning - Accidents involving motorcyclists struck by drivers turning at intersections happen far more often than many people realize.
Leave a safe distance between yourself and other vehicles - Drivers stop all the time without warning. If you have enough space to slow down, you may be able to avoid a rear-end accident or crashing into a car in front of you.
Adjust your speed for the conditions - If it's raining or icy out, drive slower and give yourself enough time to get to your location safely on your motorcycle. If you also own a car, you might even consider leaving the bike at home if it's especially hazardous.
Stay alert - Anything can happen at any moment on the road. That's why it's important to be focused on everything around you when you're on your motorcycle. What are the drivers around you doing? Do they seem distracted? Are they tailgating? If so, make adjustments and get yourself out of harm's way.

There are many more things motorcyclists can do to avoid an accident with another vehicle. But sometimes, even the safest riders get hit by other motorists. And when these accidents occur, it's critical that you contact our law firm as soon as possible to protect your rights. We know how the legal system works and we have the case results to prove it.