If you love getting out on your motorcycle, you need to be alert at all times and think about the aspect of danger. Motorists are not looking for you; they are concentrating on the road ahead and the cars weaving in and out on a crowded highway. It is up to you to make yourself be seen.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 92,000 people suffered injuries in motorcycle crashes in 2014, and 4,586 people were killed that year. The last thing you want is to become a statistic, so the first thing you should do is to become a more visible motorcycle rider. Here are four easy ways to do just that.
Go for brighter lights
The advent of the Light Emitting Diode has done great things for motorcycles. LEDs produce a huge amount of light, and they are being used in turn signals to great effect. You can find them as plug-and-play replacements for your traditional turn signal bulbs.
Use reflective tape
If you ride after dark, you can increase the visual footprint of your bike by using reflective tape. Apply it to the front of your forks, on your panniers and around the top of your windscreen. Some people like to put reflective tape on the spokes of their wheels; you will be seen at night if you are side-on to a light source, such as at an intersection. You can also put a big patch of tape on the back of your jacket.
Wear high-visibility colors
Many bikers, especially older bikers, love wearing black. However, if you want motorists to see you, consider wearing high-visibility yellow or orange. A bright color looks great in a vest or jacket, so give it a try.
Always wear a helmet
Helmets save lives, so wear one. In fact, wear a helmet approved by the Department of Transportation. The NHTSA tells us that in 2014, 39 percent of the motorcyclists who died in crashes were not wearing helmets.
Seek help if the unexpected occurs
Follow these few tips and do everything you can to make your next ride a safe one. If the unexpected should happen, however, and you suffer an injury in a crash, reach out for legal assistance. An experienced personal injury attorney is standing by to help so you can get back on the road again soon.