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Some motorcyclists have had a lifetime love affair with motorcycles.  Others choose them as a mode of efficient, cost-effective transportation for heavily traveled roads. Manymotorcyclists find riding these bikes more exciting and exhilarating than driving a car. Regardless of the reason, motorcycles are becoming more and more popular.

If you choose to ride a motorcycle, CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY SHERMAN OAKS wants you to know some safety statistics. Motorcycles represent approximately only 1% of the traffic. However, they account for 20% of all deaths and serious injuries.  If you are a motorcyclist, you are forty times more likely to be killed in an accident than a car driver

Some Safety Tips to Avoid a Motorcycle Accident

CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY SHERMAN OAKS suggests these tips for motorcycle riders.

Keep Your Eyes Peeled

Especially at intersections, traffic lights and traffic circles, motorcyclists must be alert. Learn to anticipate other motorists. Look back over your shoulder and in your rearview mirror before changing lanes, merging and making turns.

Make Yourself Visible

Wear fluorescent clothing. Don safety vests. You need to be seen to avoid a motorcycle accident.

Take the Middle Ground

The safest place on the road for a motorcycle rider is in the centre of his/her lane. Remember if you can’t see the driver’s mirror you may be in his blind spot. This is one of the most common reasons for motorcycle-car collisions.

Before you make a turn, use your turn signal. Give the drivers lots of advance warning of your intention to turn or to change lanes.

Pass Safely

Improper passing is another major cause of motorcycle accidents.  Make sure there is room to pass. Make sure you can see the road ahead of you clearly.

NEVER come between two lanes of cars to save time by creating your own lane or pass on the shoulder!

Use Common Sense

Travel at a safe speed that will allow you to slow down and stop quickly if you need to. Posted speeds are meant for motorcyclists too.

Adjust forbad weather conditions

Rain, ice and fog contribute to motorcycle accidents. Motorcycles are not meant to drive on snowy, icy roads!

Tips for Car Drivers

Before you turn, check in your mirrors to make sure there is no motorcycle there. Remember your blind spots.

Be alert to motorcyclists on the road.

As always use driver etiquette. Any collision with a motorcycle is likely to kill or seriously injure a motorcyclist.

Before you open a car door into traffic, check for cyclists and motorcyclists who may be travelling too close to parked cars.

When passing, give a motorcyclist the same amount of room as you would a car.

Before pulling into traffic or merging, check your mirrors for motorcyclists.

As you pull away from an intersection, stop light yield sign, or stop sign, check formotorcycles. It is sometimes difficult to see them, particularly if there are parked cars, hedge, trees or other obstructions.

If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident contact CAR ACCIDENT ATTORNEY SHERMAN OAKS to discuss whether you may have grounds for a personal injury claim.