9-Point Checklist for Motorcycle Safety

Monday, April 6, 2015

9-Point Checklist for Motorcycle Safety

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

While the biggest threat to most motorcycle riders’ safety is the carelessness and inattentiveness of other drivers on the road, there are still plenty of things riders can do to reduce the risk of being in an accident.  Consider the following safety tips each time you go riding:

1. All the Gear, All the Time. Even if you are just going around the corner, you should gear up each time you ride. Most accidents occur within just a few miles of home. Gearing up means putting on your helmet, gloves, boots, and protective clothing.

2. Check Your Motorcycle for Safety Issues. Before setting off, do a quick inspection to make sure everything is working properly. Checking your headlight, turn signals, brake light, brake pads, fluid levels, tire pressure, and chain only takes about a minute, and it can help you avoid dangerous situations on the road.

3. Check the Weather. Wind, rain, snow, and ice all present potential hazards for motorcycle riders. Make sure you know the weather conditions you are likely to face on your ride. If you are commuting to work, check the forecast for the afternoon rush hour as well.

4. Follow the Manufacturer’s Maintenance Schedule. Regular maintenance is critical to keeping your motorcycle operating safely and smoothly. Whether you do the work yourself or rely on your local dealer or mechanic, always follow the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations.

5. Pay Attention to Your Surroundings. This may sound obvious, but it is easy to get distracted by the world around you. Motorcycle riders should always be on the lookout for potential hazards, including traffic, road work, wet leaves, and gravel.

6. Ride within Your Abilities. The road is not the place to try to learn new riding skills. If you want to try something new or test your bounds, take an MSF course, find an empty parking lot, or visit your local track.

7. Stick to the Speed Limit. This one should be obvious too, but motorcycle riders get ticketed for speeding every day. Speeding not only puts you at risk of getting in trouble with the law, but also increases your risk of causing an accident.

8. Leave Plenty of Buffer. Tailgating is a bad idea in a car. It is an even worse idea on a motorcycle. If you need to stop suddenly or make an evasive maneuver, you will want as much open road in front of you as possible. Getting cut off can be frustrating, but instead of getting aggressive, play it safe and re-establish your safety zone.

9. Let Your Intentions be Known. Finally, don’t forget to communicate with the other drivers around you. Always use your turn signals; and, if you need to stop suddenly, flashing your brake lights can get the attention of the driver behind you.

Experienced Representation for Motorcycle Accidents in Illinois

The attorneys at Malman Law have years of experience representing victims of motorcycle accidents. If you’ve been injured in an accident, call (888) 625-6265 today or fill out our online FREE case evaluation.