How to Prevent Motorcycle Crashes

Riding a motorcycle can be a thrilling experience, but motorcyclists should be aware that riding comes with certain risks. Thankfully, riders can employ a number of safety tips to ensure their peace of mind on the road.

If you’ve sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident in Arizona, contact our Phoenix motorcycle accident attorneys at ELG. Our team of motorcycle crash lawyers is here to help you today with a free, no-hassle consultation. Otherwise, read more to learn about easy safety tips for motorcyclists in Arizona.

Don’t Ride Your Motorcycle on Busy Highways

First, avoid peak traffic times if possible. For example, traffic on Arizona highways is much more congested during the morning and evening commutes. Therefore, choosing times to ride when less traffic is on the roads can help you avoid an accident. Typically, the mid-morning and mid-afternoon hours see lighter traffic in many areas, particularly during the week.

Furthermore, finding rural or residential roads that parallel major thoroughfares allow motorcyclists to travel without exposing themselves to the risks of the main road. When motorcyclists avoid these high-traffic areas, their risk of being involved in an accident is decreased.

Avoid Riding at Night

Occasionally, riding after dark is necessary, especially if you lose track of time. However, riding once the sun goes down is only safe if you’re riding in well-lit urban or suburban areas. Rural areas can be especially dangerous for motorcyclists at night. The lack of light of these rural highways makes it far more difficult to spot roadway hazards, such as oncoming animals, until it is too late to prevent a crash. And since the number of drunk or drowsy drivers on the road is higher at night, motorcyclists run the risk of getting into a dangerous collision.

Be Aware of Inclement Weather

It almost goes without saying, but motorcyclists should check the weather before embarking on a ride. Precipitation of any kind can turn a pleasant ride into a dangerous one quickly. So, when you’re planning your ride, check the weather report in your area for the next several hours. The local weather radar will show any developing storm systems and any predictions for the time that you’re riding.

Dress in Protective Motorcycle Gear

Don’t choose your gear based on the time of day you plan to ride or even for the weather. Rather than choosing your dress for the day, always dress for your ride. This will mean wearing protective layers, including boots, gloves, and a helmet. It’s imperative that you always wear these items so that you’re protected in case a crash occurs. Leather and Kevlar fibers may be uncomfortable when it’s hot outside, but there is recommended clothing that will significantly reduce your risk of serious injuries if a motorcycle accident occurs.

The only exception to this rule will be eye protection. Motorcyclists should choose their eyewear based on the weather, as well as the time of day. For example, riders should wear shatterproof sunglasses when it’s sunny outside and clear eye protection at night.

Motorcycle Accident Lawyer in Arizona

When possible, it’s important for motorcyclists to do everything in their power to prevent a motorcycle accident. But if you’ve sustained injuries in a crash that occurred through no fault of your own, contact a knowledgeable attorney. Contact our Phoenix motorcycle accident attorneys at ELG. Call our motorcycle crash lawyers at (623) 877-3600 for a no-obligation consultation today to review your options.