Whether you’re a motorcyclists or a driver, spending some time to learn how to stay safe on the roads is a smart idea.
In regards to car accidents, generally the more damage one person does to another’s health, the larger the eventual compensation is. This trend reaches its peak in motorcycle accidents, as the rider has almost no protection. While compensation for such an accident is generally possible, avoiding a collision is the best possible outcome. Here are six tips to do just that.
Pay Attention
Your first line of defense against hazards is seeing them. If you do so right away, you can make evasive maneuvers and avoid most collisions. The factor that stops people from paying attention is succumbing to distractions, with the most prevalent of them being phones. You can keep yourself and everyone around you much safer if you pledge to keep your eyes on the road at all times.
Check Your Blind Spots
One of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents is cars changing lanes into riders. A typical way in which this event occurs is drivers not checking their blind spot before making the change. This habit can lead to accidents with both cars and bikes, with the latter frequently being incredibly damaging.
Be Wary of Left Turns
Another typical situation in which cars hit riders is when taking a left turn. What happens is that drivers don’t see the biker riding just behind them. When they make their turn, one of two things happens. Either the motorcycle rear-ends the car, or the car cuts the rider off and gets T-Boned. Either way, both parties will experience significant damage.
Watch For Lane Splitting
Though lane splitting is illegal in Missouri, motorcycle riders frequently do it to beat traffic. As a driver, you should be aware of this habit and cater to it. Even if it is illegal, changing lanes into someone and hurting them is never a positive outcome. Instead, be aware of their presence and let them pass safely.
Don’t Open Your Doors
The worst thing that can happen to a lane splitting rider is you opening your door. Doing so will almost surely lead to a collision if the timing is right. Your best course of action is to never open your door on the road, except in emergencies. If you have to, be sure to look and make sure no motorcycles are coming.
Take Extra Care in Inclement Weather
Wet roads can be a disaster for both drivers and riders, as they tend to have trouble stopping and turning. The last thing you want is to rear-end a motorcycle or skid into an intersection, so keep your speed down in inclement weather.
Whether you’re a rider or a driver, spending some time to learn how to stay safe on the roads is a smart idea. Unfortunately, despite your efforts, you might still get into a crash and wisely decide to speak with a St. Louis car accident lawyer. This outcome is not optimal, but it isn’t the end of the world, either. The reason is that that a skilled attorney should be able to help you obtain compensation for your medical bills, the time you missed from work, and more. Give us a call 24/7 at (314) 361-4242.