Heading Out On Your Motorcycle This Winter? How To Keep Yourself Safe
Winter isn't officially here yet, which means you still have some time to get another motorcycle ride under your belt. If you've decided to hit the road for one last adventure this year, be sure to take some precautions. Riding a motorcycle during fair weather is risky enough, especially when most motorists don't pay attention to you. Before you head out on your motorcycle, take a look at the information provided below. This information will help keep you safe while you're on the road.
Make Sure You're Visible
When you've been on the road often enough, you know that your motorcycle is difficult for motorists to see. Visibility becomes even more difficult during the winter months, when the weather tends to change quickly. Unfortunately, lack of visibility increases your risk for motorcycle accidents. If you're going to be riding your motorcycle this winter, make sure you're always visible. First, always wear a reflective vest when riding your motorcycle. Second, place reflective tape or markings on the bike itself. Finally, when you're behind cars, make sure you're visible in either their side or rear view mirrors.
Keep Your Family Connected
When you own a motorcycle, it's easy to take off on a moments notice. However, those impromptu road trips often leave family members out of the loop. Unfortunately, when you keep family members out of the loop regarding your travel plans, they have no way of monitoring your safety, which means they might not know when an emergency arises. If you're going to be heading out on your motorcycle this winter, be sure to keep your family connected. Contact someone each time you make a pit-stop along your route. That way, if you don't check in along the route, your family knows where to begin the search.
Sit Out the Big Storms
If you're going to be taking a road trip on your motorcycle this winter, give yourself some extra time. Storms can pop up quickly during the winter. When they do, you want to be able to sit them out safely and comfortably. Your risk for accidents increases dramatically when you ride your motorcycle through inclement weather.
Be Prepared for an Accident
Finally, if you're taking your motorcycle on a road trip this winter, be prepared for an accident, especially if you'll be on your bike during the holidays. DUI-related accidents tend to increase during the holidays, which puts you at a greater risk; in addition to the weather-related risks for motorcycle accidents. If you are involved in a motorcycle accident this winter, seek immediate medical attention and then contact a motorcycle accident attorney right away.
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