4 Things You Can Do to Ride Safely and Avoid Motorcycle Accidents.

Riding a motorcycle in the city, on the highway, or even down a country road can be fun, but risky. Motorcycle accidents are not uncommon, and when they occur, the injuries to a rider can be catastrophic—even if you are wearing leathers and a helmet.

According to the Louisiana Crash Data Reports, 8.67% of all fatal driving accidents occurring in the state in 2017 involved motorcycles. The statistics show that riding a motorcycle in Louisiana increases your chances of being involved in a fatal accident.

So if you are going to ride in the Pelican State, it makes sense for you to do everything you can to decrease your chances of getting into an accident and ride as safely as you can.

Here are just 4 things you can do to make your ride a safe one.

1. Use Your Head and Protect Your Head.

Louisiana law requires that motorcyclists wear safety helmets. But not all riders wear helmets or wear helmets that are designed to protect them. According to the Department of Transportation, one of the best things you can do protect yourself is to wear a full-face, Department of Transportation-approved helmet at all times.

At all times.

Without a proper helmet, you are twice as likely to suffer traumatic brain injury from a crash.

2. Stay Sober and Stay Alert.

This tip is a “twofer”  for you. It should go without saying that you should never drink and ride, but unfortunately, some people still need to be told. More than 40 % of all motorcycle riders who die in single-vehicle crashes are alcohol-impaired.

So stay sober. And stay alert.

Keep in mind that most drivers don’t notice motorcycles and a lot of them are texting while driving—increasing the dangers of an accident for everyone on the road.

Stay aware of your surroundings, including road conditions (which can be quite bad in Louisiana), and watch out for drivers who suddenly change lanes or swerve you’re your lane.

3. Make Yourself Visible.

You’ve probably heard it a million times, but the number one reason drivers give for hitting a motorcycle is “I didn’t see him.” Most drivers are simply not expecting to see a motorcycle and because motorcycles are smaller than cars and most riders wear basic black, it’s more difficult to see them. You can improve your chances of being seen by making sure to always ride with your headlight on, and adding bright colors and reflectors to your bike and gear.

4. Educate Yourself.

If you are new to riding a motorcycle, take a motorcycle safety course. If you’ve been riding for years, speeding and lane-splitting with wild abandon, take a refresher safety course. Not only might you be able to get a discount on your insurance rates, but you just might save a life: yours.

Motorcycle accidents are serious. Injuries to bikers can range from road rash to catastrophic brain and spinal injuries or death. Don’t take chances with your life. Ride, but ride safe y’all.

Louisiana Motorcycle Accident Attorneys Who Can Help.

If you or someone you love has been injured or died in a motorcycle accident, contact us. We are personal injury attorneys in Louisiana who handle motorcycle accident cases. We have offices in Baton Rouge, and we serve a number of the surrounding parishes and New Orleans. We offer free consultations and for most cases, we don’t get paid unless you win.  Call us at 225-200-0000 ToDay to schedule your free consultation or contact us here.