Hazards for Motorcycle Riders to Look Out For

By Raymon Law Group on September 10, 2022

There’s nothing like the freedom you feel when you’re out riding a motorcycle. And motorcycles are really economical to drive and maintain. It’s easy to just hop on your bike when you want to go somewhere, and parking is so much more convenient.

Most motorcycle riders are responsible citizens who follow the traffic laws. But motorists aren’t always looking out for motorcycles. In fact, the biggest risk to your safety is the failure of drivers to detect you. That’s why it’s essential to take precautions every time you ride.

Getting Ready to Ride

Before beginning your journey, you’ll want to make sure your bike is in good working condition. Regular motorcycle maintenance is crucial for your safety. It’s particularly important that your brakes are properly adjusted, and your tires are fully inflated and have enough tread.

Practicing emergency braking and hard maneuvers such as sharp turns, tight circles, and quick accelerations will help you react safely if you encounter hazards or dangerous situations while you’re out riding.

You’ll want to do everything you can to help drivers see you when you’re riding. Wearing bright-colored clothes and reflective gear will make you more noticeable.

The right safety gear will protect you and help prevent injuries such as road rash:

• Helmet
• Goggles
• Face shield
• Motorcycle jacket
• Leathers or motorcycle pants
• Motorcycle gloves
• Riding boots that cover your ankles

Hazards to Watch Out for on the Road

When you ride a motorcycle, you’ll want to be vigilant at all times to protect yourself.  Remember that night driving is especially hazardous, especially on weekends. Riding in snowy, rainy, or foggy weather should be avoided whenever possible.

Here are some tips for staying safe on your bike:

• Keep your eyes on the road to avoid hazards such as debris, potholes, and large objects that may have fallen onto the roadway. Small objects, loose gravel, and wet pavement can all cause a rider to lose control of their bike.
• Don’t assume drivers see you. Keep an eye out for distracted drivers who may be talking, texting, or reaching for something inside their vehicle. Always drive defensively and be leery of vehicles that are positioned where they may violate your right of way.
• Ride in the left or right lane when traveling on the highway. Avoid middle lanes where drivers are more likely to cut you off.
• Look in both directions whenever you enter an intersection and be prepared for drivers who may run red lights or stop signs.
• Check behind you using your mirror when you stop at an intersection. Fast approaching vehicles may not see you.
• Avoid big rig trucks. Trucks are heavy, slow to react, and they cause a lot of damage in a collision. Trucks also have huge blind spots on all four sides.
• Surface streets are very dangerous for motorcycles because drivers make a lot of bad decisions that could harm you. Active areas near parking lots and shopping centers create a lot of hazards.
• Be wary of slow drivers who may be lost, checking their GPS, or looking for a place to park. They’re likely to make sudden stops.
• Left turn accidents are especially hazardous for motorcycles because oncoming drivers are going very fast and they usually aren’t looking out for motorcycles.
• DUI. Drivers who exhibit signs of intoxication such as making erratic or sudden movements or weaving between lanes should definitely be avoided.
• Parked vehicles may suddenly emerge into the roadway and driver-side doors may be opened at any time, causing serious dooring accidents.

Motorcycle Accident Injuries

Although riding a motorcycle is fun and convenient, it’s not as safe as traveling in an automobile that has a cabin with seatbelts and airbags to protect you. When an accident occurs, riders and their passengers may suffer serious injuries such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Head trauma
• Severe burns
• Spinal cord damage
• Back and neck injuries
• Loss of limb
• Internal bleeding
• Disfigurement
• Bone fractures
• Whiplash
• Lacerations
• Road rash

Were You Harmed by a Careless Driver?

If you were harmed by somebody’s careless behavior, then you shouldn’t have to pay your own medical bills and other expenses caused by the crash.

Raymon Law Group, PLLC isn’t just another law firm. We get results for our clients. We’ll file claims against anyone whose negligent behavior caused your injuries. And we aren’t afraid to take on the big insurance companies.

Call (505) 390-1040 to learn more from a New Mexico auto accident lawyer today.