Avoiding Motorcycle Accidents in Phoenix
Road accidents are an unfortunate reality of life. While defensive, safe driving can go a long way in preventing car and motorcycle accidents in Phoenix, crashes can still happen. It’s important to be prepared, especially if you’re a motorcyclist.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident in Arizona, contact the Phoenix motorcycle crash attorneys at the ELG ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS, PLLC – our team of motorcycle accident lawyers is here to help. While not all motorcycle crashes can be avoided, there are some ways you can keep yourself and your loved ones safe next time you go for a ride. Here are five tips to keep in mind when you take your motorcycle out for a spin.
Avoid Blind Spots
Blind spots are one of the most common causes of traffic accidents. When drivers merge or change lanes without checking their blind spots, they can collide with motorcyclists they didn’t even see. While we wish all drivers would take appropriate caution and care to protect themselves and other drivers, not everyone does so, and the best way to protect yourself is to be aware of this potential. By avoiding the left and right rear areas of other motor vehicles, you can stay out of drivers’ blind spots, particularly when you’re on your motorcycle.
Drive Defensively
Defensive driving is the surest way to avoid automobile collisions. When you’re riding, it’s important to check your blind spots and all areas around your motorcycle. Make sure you always have plenty of room on each side of your bike. You can’t control other motorists’ actions, but you can be aware of your surroundings at all times, every time you’re on the road.
Wear Visible Clothing
Not only should you wear durable, thick clothing each time you ride, but you should also ensure you’re wearing visible clothing. Black leather is the quintessential motorcyclist’s uniform, but we suggest adding a few fluorescents or brightly-hued items to your ensemble, especially when it’s dark outside. Using reflective tape to mark your clothing and your bike is even better.
Always Use Your Headlights
Use your headlights at all times, even during the day and in bright, sunny weather. Improving your visibility is one of the easiest ways to avoid motorcycle accidents. Keeping your headlights on means that other drivers can see you at all times – and that’s a great way to prevent collisions.
Obey Traffic Laws
This part seems intuitive and goes hand in hand with defensive driving, but it may have been a while since driver’s ed. While we all want to be a good, safe driver, there are some behaviors we should continue to practice. It’s vital to keep at least 25 feet of space between you and the motorist in front of you. If you’re tailgated while you’re on your motorcycle, it can be tempting to be stubborn, but it’s always safer to allow the vehicle to pass and leave enough space in front and behind of your motorcycle. Leaving plenty of space means you’ll have time to react in the worst situations.
Motorcycle Accident Attorney in Phoenix, Arizona
By keeping these five tips in mind, you’ll have the tools you need to avoid motorcycle accidents. But even the best drivers can’t always avoid collisions. If you’re injured or your bike is damaged in a motorcycle accident, contact our Phoenix motorcycle accident attorneys at ELG ACCIDENT ATTORNEYS, PLLC. Call us at (623) 562-3838 for a free consultation and representation today.
