Riding a motorcycle can certainly be more exciting moment-to-moment than driving or being a passenger in an enclosed motor vehicle. However, motorcycle riding can also be much more dangerous than standard passenger car travel, which means it is vital for you to take ownership of your own well-being and act responsibly on the road, regardless of what other drivers are doing.
Here are some of the most helpful safety measures to prevent motorcycle accidents in Prescott, recommended by the experienced motorcycle injury lawyers at Phillips Law Group. If you have been injured in a crash caused by someone else despite acting as responsibly as you possibly could, a Phillips Law Group attorney can also help you pursue comprehensive civil compensation for the harm your accident has caused you.
First and foremost, to minimize the chance of an accident, motorcycle riders in Prescott and throughout Arizona should ensure their motorcycles are mechanically sound and safe before every single trip. Taking a few minutes to check tires, lights, brakes, and fuel systems before getting out on the road is a simple safety measure that can help avoid crashes caused by breakdowns while traveling at high speeds.
In the event of a wreck, a properly fitted and designed safety helmet can help protect a motorcycle rider from suffering life-altering head and neck injuries. However, it is also important to wear the right clothing. More specifically, to avoid accidents around Prescott or further afield, motorcyclists should wear clothing that fits well, does not have any dangling components that could get caught in the machinery of a motorcycle, and is bright or reflective enough to make them easily visible to other drivers.
Once a motorcyclist is out on a ride around Prescott, the most important measure they can take to avoid being injured in a preventable accident is defensive riding. This means remembering that other drivers may be inattentive and irresponsible, and taking extra care because of this. In particular, it means riders should take precautions such as staying visible in the center of traffic lanes, making sure oncoming drivers have seen them and are slowing down before turning into those drivers’ paths, and always using turn and hand signals when appropriate.
Finally, it is worth mentioning that sober motorcyclists are safe motorcyclists, and even a small amount of alcohol or drugs can impair judgment and motor function, making it much harder to avoid accidents on Prescott’s roads. It is also generally best to avoid riding a motorcycle late at night or under other circumstances where fatigue may affect awareness and reaction time.
Even the most responsible motorcyclists can still be hurt in wrecks they did nothing to cause, but following these safety measures to prevent motorcycle accidents in Prescott will help you reduce your chances of suffering harm. Moreover, if you are injured through someone else’s negligence, knowing that you have acted responsibly can help you build the strongest possible case for civil compensation.
If you have questions about these safety practices or your legal rights after a wreck, a motorcycle accident lawyer from Phillips Law Group can provide answers during a confidential consultation. Call today to set up a meeting.