Essential Safety Tips for New Chicago Motorcycle Riders

This holds true for even the most experienced riders, because motorcycles do not offer the same physical protection as four-wheel vehicles. Also, most car and truck drivers look out for other cars and trucks and fail to pay attention to motorcycles until the motorcycle is right in front of them.

How motorcyclists can stay safe on Chicago roadways

New operators should take as many precautions as they can before they start to ride. Some of the suggested safety tips that Consumer Reports suggests are:

• Buy the motorcycle you handle. You should be able to get on and off the bike with ease. You should be able to comfortably reach the handlebars and controls, and the motorcycle should not feel too heavy. Consider your purpose for buying the motorcycle—is it for highway riding or local riding? It is best to stay on local roads until you become assured in your riding abilities.
• Get a motorcycle with anti-lock brakes. If the brakes lock, they can cause the motorcycle to skid and subsequently crash. An anti-lock break system (ABS) helps you keep control of the motorcycle, especially in wet and emergency conditions. Most motorcycles now come equipped with an ABS system, or an ABS can be added for several hundred dollars.
• Get proper training. There are numerous quality training courses that can teach basic essentials. Passing an approved Motorcycle Safety Foundation can also make it easier to get your motorcycle driver’s license. It may even qualify you for reduced insurance rates.
• Get a helmet. According to Consumer Reports, riders who fail to wear a helmet are 40% more likely to die in a motorcycle accident than those who do wear a helmet. Riders without helmets also suffer traumatic brain injuries at a rate of 3-1 compared to riders who have their helmets on. The best helmet choice is one that is approved by the Department of Transportation. Consider buying a new helmet every five years, because helmets deteriorate with time.
• Have the right gear. Your clothing should protect you from the elements and help you if you slide on the pavement or asphalt. There are jackets designed for warm weather, and goggles or helmet visors protect against flying objects. Wear bright clothing so car and truck drivers can see you.
• Drive defensively. Do not weave in and out of lanes, and keep safe distances between you and other vehicles. Understand that many car drivers do not see you.
• Stay off the road during bad weather. Wind, rain, and snow can make driving treacherous even for experienced riders. For new riders, bad weather and riding can be a deadly combination. Bad weather can reduce visibility, make it tougher for the tires to get traction, and make it harder to steer and to stop.
• Steer clear of road hazards. Potholes, pebbles, wet leaves, dead animals, and bumps can all cause your motorcycle to fall. Avoid them when you can, or slow down as much as possible when you cannot. When approaching railroad tracks, right angles can help reduce the possibility of a skid.

New riders should always check their motorcycle before each ride. Tires should have the right pressure. Brakes should be in working order. Chains, belts, lights, horns, signals, and other motorcycle parts should be inspected.

Experienced Chicago motorcycle accident lawyers help victims and the families of deceased victims get justice by negotiating tough settlements and persuasively arguing cases before juries. Often, the lawyers at Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers can demonstrate that a car, truck, or other large vehicle caused the accident. Sometimes, we can show that the state was responsible for failing to maintain roadways appropriately. If a passenger is injured, the motorcycle operator is probably liable. For help now, please call our attorneys at 312-600-9585  or complete our contact form to schedule an appointment.