Summer in Virginia is an ideal time for motorcycle riders to hit the road and see all the state has to offer. But if you’re a Virginia motorcycle rider, it’s important to stay safe on the road. After all, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles reported that there were 1,960 Virginia motorcycle accidents in a single recent year, resulting in 1,638 injuries and 89 deaths. With so many accidents on Virginia roads, it’s clear that motorcyclists need to be careful while riding.
To help motorcyclists stay safe, the Virginia motorcycle accident lawyers at Marks & Harrison put together this list of tips for both motorcycle riders and others drivers on the road. If you’ve been involved in a motorcycle accident, contact our office to learn more about how we can help you.
5 Tips for Motorcycle Safety
Here are some important safety tips to keep in mind whenever you ride your motorcycle on Virginia roads:
- Drive defensively. Riding a motorcycle aggressively by speeding, making sudden lane changes, following too closely, cutting off other vehicles, or not yielding the right-of-way makes you much more likely to be in an accident. The best way to stay safe when riding a motorcycle is to take a defensive approach. That means you should follow traffic regulations and keep an eye out for possible hazards in the road.
- Get the right gear. Hopefully, you won’t need it, but motorcycle safety gear can make a big difference in the event of a collision. Virginia law requires motorcycle riders and passengers to wear a helmet and have some form of eye protection. Other safety equipment, such as a jacket, gloves, and boots, can help protect your body if you’re thrown from your bike. Reflective gear can also help you avoid an accident by increasing your visibility to others.
- Only ride awake and sober. Impaired and fatigued driving are two of the most common factors in crashes. Motorcyclists are more vulnerable to injuries, so be sure you’re rested and sober before setting out on a ride. Otherwise, you’ll find it harder to avoid possible dangers on the road, making a crash more likely.
- Follow the rules of the road. Some traffic regulations might be annoying, but they exist to help motorcyclists and other drivers stay safe. Adhering to speed limits and other traffic laws can help prevent a collision.
- Leave an escape route. Plan ahead and expect the unexpected. It’s important to leave yourself an escape route at all times. Giving yourself space to change lanes quickly or brake makes it easier to avoid sudden hazards that might otherwise lead to a motorcycle accident.
What You Should Bring When Riding
Bringing the right equipment when you ride a motorcycle is a crucial component of staying safe. Here are some of the things you should bring on every ride:
- Helmet – Virginia law requires all motorcycle riders and passengers to wear a helmet. The helmet must meet certain safety standards, so check for an approval sticker before you buy. In addition to being required by law, helmets can help prevent serious brain injuries and death in the event of an accident.
- Eye protection – State law requires motorcyclists to wear eye protection while riding. If you don’t wear goggles, your motorcycle must be equipped with a protective windshield. It’s required by state law, and it also makes it easier to see the road and avoid being hit in the eye by debris.
- Sturdy jackets and pants – Jackets and pants help motorcyclists stay warm while riding, making it easier to concentrate on staying safe instead of worrying about the cold. Long, thick jackets and pants can also help cushion the blow when a motorcyclist is thrown from their bike.
- Gloves and boots – Not wearing gloves or proper footwear can make it more difficult to maneuver a motorcycle, especially in an emergency situation. Non-slip gloves and boots can help you maintain control over your motorcycle at all times, which is crucial for avoiding an accident. They can also provide protection in a crash.
Ways Other Drivers Can Keep Bikers Safe
While motorcyclists should exercise caution when riding, it’s perhaps more important for other drivers to be aware of motorcyclists to keep everyone safe on the roads. Here are a few safety tips to help other drivers avoid colliding with a motorcyclist:
- Look twice before changing lanes. Motorcyclists can be more difficult to see than other vehicles because of their smaller size. Taking the time to check twice before changing lanes could help you avoid colliding with a motorcyclist in your path.
- Be extra careful when making left turns. Left turns are a common cause of motorcycle crashes because drivers fail to realize how close an oncoming motorcyclist is before they turn. Look closely for oncoming motorcycles and don’t try to make a turn if one is approaching.
- Minimize distractions while driving. Taking your eyes off the road for even a few seconds is enough to cause a motorcycle accident, so give your full attention to driving whenever you’re behind the wheel.
- Give motorcyclists plenty of space. Motorcycles stop much more quickly than other vehicles because of their relatively small size. To avoid hitting the back of a motorcyclist when they stop suddenly, give the motorcycle plenty of room.
What You Should Do if You Are Injured in a Motorcycle Accident
If you’re hurt in a motorcycle accident, here’s what to do next:
- Call 911 to bring police and emergency medical personnel to the scene.
- Get medical treatment as soon as possible.
- Take photos of the accident scene, if you can.
- Write down the names and contact information for any potential witnesses.
- Hold on to all your medical records and any proof of your lost income as a result of the crash.
- Don’t say anything about the accident, especially to any insurance companies, before talking to an attorney.
- Get a motorcycle accident lawyer.
The Virginia motorcycle accident lawyers at Marks & Harrison can help if you’ve been injured in a crash. To learn more, call our office, visit our contact page, or speak with one of our live chat agents today.
