Practice motorcycle safety as riding season kicks off

For bikers across the northern half of the country, May marks when the weather is inviting enough to gear up and get back to riding on the open roads. Unfortunately, motorcycles remain a dangerous form of transportation, and upticks in motorcycle accidents often occur around the early parts of the season. Officials are asking riders to be extra cautious when getting back on their bikes this year, especially as COVID-19 has ushered in a rise in reckless driving.

Ways to be a safer rider

Anyone who rides a motorcycle knows that the rush of wind and speed, combined with gorgeous scenery, is part of the joy. Those factors can add up to danger for riders who let their guard down.

Motorcyclists should always stay as focused on the road as possible, and avoid letting their mind wander—whether off in thought or in picturesque surroundings. Just like any sort of driver, the more focused and vigilant they are, the less likely a biker is to make a costly  mistake or fail to react to another vehicle.

Motorcyclists should also always do the following:

• Wear a helmet
• Wear brightly colored clothing
• Go the speed limit
• Avoid riding in inclement weather
• Use proper road signals
• Take care when shifting lanes or making sharp turns
• Pay attention to larger surrounding vehicles
• Heed all other rules of the road

Other vehicles shoulder the burden, too

Drivers of other vehicles should also be vigilant and exercise caution around motorcycles. Drivers should also anticipate and be aware of the increase in motorcycles on the roads, and act accordingly to help keep everyone safe.

For motorcyclists, know that the risk of injury is always a risk, especially when reckless driving is a threat. If you’ve been in a motorcycle accident, it might be necessary to speak with a lawyer about your next steps.

Matthew D. Dubin

Matthew D. Dubin has represented injured people throughout Washington since 1995. He is the founding attorney of Dubin Law Group and focuses his practice on personal injury claims involving motor vehicle accidents, dangerous products, premises liability, catastrophic injuries, and wrongful death.

Education

• License Number: 25378
• University of Washington School of Law, Seattle, Washington – J.D.
• Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut – B.A.

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