Motorcycle Safety Tips for Riders and Drivers

It should unfortunately come as no surprise that traffic accidents involving motorcycles can often be the most serious, especially for the motorcyclist.  

Motorcyclists can take many actions to help increase their safety on the road. However, the onus for safety should not entirely rest on them. Road safety is a collective effort, and other vehicle drivers share in that responsibility.  

Here are some motorcycle safety tips for both motorcyclists and vehicle drivers to help keep everyone safer on the road. And if you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, our Oklahoma attorneys can help you determine your next steps toward receiving the compensation you deserve. Call us at (580) 271-9672 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation. 

RELATED: What Causes Most Motorcycle Accidents in Oklahoma? 

Motorcycle Safety Tips for Motorcycle Riders  

Motorcycle riders often understand the risk when they get on two wheels. Here are some steps they can take to increase their chances of getting safely to their destination. 

Increase visibility 

Visibility is a primary danger of riding a motorcycle. In many motorcycle accident cases, the other driver reported simply not seeing the motorcycle until it was too late. 

While there is sometimes a psychological element where a driver may not mentally acknowledge a motorcycle that is clearly visible, it can still be helpful for motorcyclists to increase their visibility as much as possible:   

• Ensure that headlights, brake lights, and turn signals are functional and that headlights are on regardless of time of day. 

• Stay out of other vehicles’ blind spots. 

• Wear clothing with reflective decals. 

• Always leave yourself enough room to get out of the way if a vehicle cuts you off because the driver is unable to see you.  

Wear protective riding gear 

Although the state of Oklahoma does not require adult riders to wear a helmet, doing so can often be the defining factor in whether a motorcyclist survives an accident. Whether or not a motorcyclist wore a helmet can also impact their injury claim. 

A protective riding outfit should include the following:  

• A helmet and quality eye protection that still allows you to see well (a helmet with full face coverage is ideal)  

• A jacket made of a sturdy material such as leather or other strong textiles (armor inserts are also recommended) 

• Gloves 

• Sturdy boots with ankle protection 

• Long pants that leave no skin exposed 

Any passengers riding on the back of a motorcycle should also be wearing protective gear. A good rule of thumb is to dress prepared for an accident.  

Always ride defensively 

Motorcycle riders can’t always count on drivers of other vehicles to look out for them. Drivers are often distracted and have various blind spots. Riders can help to increase their safety on the road by practicing the following habits: 

• Always assume that other drivers can’t see you. 

• Be aware of your surroundings as well as changing road conditions. 

• Always have an escape route planned. Avoid being boxed in by other vehicles without a way to get to safety. 

• Never ride when fatigued or under the influence. 

• Follow the rules of the road. Use turn signals and position yourself in the lane for the most visibility. 

• Avoid lane-splitting or riding into small spaces between vehicles. 

In addition to the guidelines above, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation also has safety classes that riders can take to help them look out for themselves and fellow riders on the road.  

RELATED: Does Health Insurance Comver Motorcycle Accident Injuries? 

Motorcycle Safety Tips for Other Vehicle Drivers 

You don’t have to be a rider to help make things safer for motorcycles on the road. Road safety benefits everyone, especially if everyone practices it. The following tips for drivers of other vehicles can help prevent accidents involving motorcycles.  

Double check blind spots 

Because they’re so much smaller than other vehicles and aren’t always centered in the lane, motorcycles can often be missed in the initial head-check. Make sure that you’re double-checking blind spots around your vehicle. 

Keep a safe distance 

We’re all taught in driver’s training to keep a certain number of car-lengths between us and the car in front of us, depending on speed. Motorcycles can change direction and speed more quickly than cars and trucks, so leave extra space between your vehicle and a motorcycle in front of you. 

Avoid distractions 

Never text or scroll on your phone while driving. If you need to take a call that can’t wait, use a hands-free device so that you can keep both hands on the wheel. Keep any music or other audio at a volume that still enables you to hear traffic sounds. 

Practice extra caution in poor weather 

Rain and fog can make it even more difficult to see motorcycles, and slippery conditions can pose a greater risk to motorcycle riders. Use your headlights and turn signals, and keep an extra eye out for riders. If you spot one, allow for extra space. 

Implementing safety habits for motorcyclists can also be beneficial to drivers in the long run. If a driver ever finds themselves in an accident with a motorcyclist and needs to pursue an insurance claim or lawsuit, the driver’s own driving practices will most likely impact their case.  

Why Seek an Attorney After a Motorcycle Accident? 

A motorcycle accident can greatly impact your life and the lives of your family members. Colbert Cooper Hill’s accident lawyers can help you receive fair compensation for your injuries by holding those responsible accountable.  

Our attorneys have access to specialists who can fully assess the accident and its effect on your life. These experts include:  

• Accident reconstruction specialists who can determine the details of the accident and help prove who was at fault.   

• Medical specialists who can assess your injuries and physical changes to your quality of life, as well as what types of rehabilitation therapies and other support you require. 

• Economic experts to calculate related property damages and medical costs in order to determine how much your recovery and needs may cost over time.  

With expert support and evidence at hand, our attorneys can fight for compensation at the negotiation table or in front of a jury in a court of law, if needed. 

RELATED: What is an Average Motorcycle Accident Settlement in Oklahoma? 

Contact The Wolf Pack  

We hope everyone stays safe out there, but we know motorcycle safety tips can’t stop every accident from happening. 

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, our Oklahoma City personal injury attorneys can help you receive fair compensation to get your life back. Call us at (580) 271-9672 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free and confidential consultation. 

The content provided here is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject.