Motorcycle accidents are one of the major causes of ugly scenes on our highways and other roads. They are responsible for deaths, fatal injuries and life long disabilities. A sad to note fact is that such accidents have been on a steady rise as though nothing can be done to tame them. It is surprising how many motorcycle users fall prey to the same mistakes that have been causing accidents day in day out. What every motorcyclist needs to know is that the responsibility of reducing or avoiding motorcycle accidents all together lies with every individual that uses the motorcycle and the others who use the road such as motor vehicle drivers and pedestrians. Before you look at the other person for blame, look at what you can do yourself to stop the menace. Here are a few tips that you can use to avoid this annoying trend.
Be Visible
When you are riding a motorcycle on the roads, make sure that you are well visible especially by the motor vehicle drivers and the pedestrians. This is the best way through which you can reduce motorcycle accidents as each road user will be able to see you clearly. To achieve this, you should make sure that you use bright colors for your clothing when riding on your motorcycle. This is important especially when using the roads at night. You should also use your headlight to enhance your visibility.
Make Your Communications Clear
When changing lanes, taking on a new direction or slowing down to stop, make sure that the other road users read and understand your intentions well. This is where you will need to apply the correct use of your indicators and signals. Keep the correct lane position and make sure your brake light is functioning well.
Do Not Trail Closely
It is a risky behavior to follow other vehicles from a very close range. You never know what to expect from the vehicle ahead of you and you may find yourself in an uncontrollable situation when they brake suddenly. Also make sure that when you are overtaking, you keep a reasonable space between you and the other road user who you are overtaking.
Watch For Roadsigns
These signs usually do a good job in guiding road users. Ignoring them or dismissing the directions indicated on them is one of the most stupid things you can do if you are looking to avoid motorcycle accidents. You should keep within the specified speed limit of the section of the road on which you are riding and be alert for any sudden actions that could lead into a motorcycle accident. You should always always prepare to avert any sudden danger and avoid an accident.
Revise Your Course
Make it a habit of going through your motorcycle riding course more often so that the ideas will always remain fresh in your mind. This way, you will keep on refreshing your knowledge of riding your motorcycle and be able to avoid silly mistakes that can easily lead motorcycle accidents.