Safety Tips for New Motorcycle Riders

Riding a motorcycle gives you a whole new lease on life, especially in Illinois, which is known for its nature preserves, thriving cities, and other great riding spots. However, riding also comes with risks. If you’re just starting out, it’s important to know what to expect, how to protect yourself, and how to ease into regular riding.

At Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers, we advocate fiercely for injured motorcyclists. If you’re involved in an accident, our team of motorcycle accident attorneys is here to help. Contact us to set up a consultation with our team right away.

Understand that motorcycles behave differently from cars

If you’re an experienced driver, you may expect riding a motorcycle to be similar to driving a car, but they are truly two different experiences. Motorcycles respond differently to braking, steering, small obstacles on the road, and wet surfaces. With each new ride, remember that experience driving a car won’t necessarily help you ride a motorcycle more safely. Keeping this in mind encourages a cautious approach.

Wear proper protective gear – every single time

Illinois is one of a handful of states that do not require motorcyclists to wear helmets. While state law requires eye protection, such as goggles or a windshield, there are no helmet requirements. Unfortunately, this means helmet use rates are lower here than in some other states. Even if you aren’t legally required to wear a helmet, wearing one for every single ride is the easiest way to protect yourself from a traumatic brain injury. If you are involved in a crash, injuries are possible – and helmets can significantly reduce the risk of serious or permanent traumatic brain injuries.

Take a motorcycle safety course

Depending on how you choose to earn your M classification on your Illinois license, you may have already taken a motorcycle safety course. Riders aged 16 or 17 must complete an approved course before obtaining their M classification, but the requirement is optional for adult riders, who can instead take a test at the Secretary of State’s office and obtain their endorsement. However, no matter how confident you are in your abilities, taking a safety course is highly recommended. There are so many different aspects of riding that are more dangerous than driving a car, and a safety course informs you of those risks and teaches you how to mitigate them.

The worst outcome of taking a safety course is that you review things you already know; the worst outcome of skipping a safety course is being grossly unprepared for the road and making a mistake that causes you serious injuries.

Start slow and stay out of high-risk riding areas

It’s normal to want to explore the state’s most popular riding spots and get on your bike every chance you can after getting your M endorsement. But there is a learning curve that comes with riding a motorcycle, and it’s important to give yourself time to get acclimated, build your muscle memory, and feel more confident in a variety of riding situations.

As a new rider, you can lower your risk of being involved in a crash by not riding at night, staying off the road during unpredictable weather, not riding on the highway, and staying out of high-traffic areas like downtown Chicago. You’ll know when you’re ready as you become more confident, handle different riding situations appropriately, and stop panicking when new situations arise. Patience can prevent serious accidents so that you’re able to ride for years to come.

Stay visible and ride defensively

Many motorcycle accidents happen because drivers simply do not see riders. It’s hard to miss an entire car or SUV in the lane next to you; it’s a lot easier to miss a small, sleek motorcycle. That doesn’t mean that these accidents are your fault, but it does mean you may be able to prevent them by staying as visible as possible. Wear bright or reflective clothing, use your headlights, and be aware of your position at all times. If you may be stuck in a driver’s blind spot, adjust your position accordingly. Defensive riding involves assuming other drivers may make sudden, unexpected moves and positioning yourself to respond appropriately.

Watch for road hazards

We aren’t just talking about obvious road hazards like roadkill, accidents, and backed-up traffic. Those are all obstacles that drivers strive to avoid. We’re talking about the smaller obstacles that drivers don’t give a second thought to. Potholes, gravel, sand, shredded tires, and uneven pavement can be annoying for drivers and make their ride bumpy. However, those same obstacles can be incredibly dangerous for riders. Those obstacles are enough to make a motorcyclist lose their balance, fall off their bike, or crash. Learn to scan the road ahead of you for small dangers and evade them.

Avoid aggressive riding

Speeding, tailgating, and making sudden lane changes can dramatically ramp up your likelihood of being hurt in an accident. It’s easy to get annoyed or angry with other road users, especially if it seems like drivers are never on the lookout for riders. Don’t let adrenaline guide your riding; focus on always keeping your speed appropriate for conditions, maintaining safe following distances, and avoiding sharp turns at high speeds.

Never ride while impaired or fatigued

This is also true for drivers, but the consequences for impaired or fatigued riders can be even more severe. Even a little bit of alcohol or slight sleep deprivation may affect how you react to risks and your ability to make good decisions.

Injured in a crash? Get help from a Chicago motorcycle accident lawyer.

Safe riding will get you far, but no matter how safely you ride, you never know when you’ll share the road with an unsafe driver. If you’re hurt in a crash, make sure you have the help you need. Call Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers today or contact us online now.