May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. If you love the freedom of the open road, this is a good time to review safety to make sure that you are doing everything possible to avoid a traffic accident in Hollywood or your community.
Unfortunately, motorcyclists face additional safety challenges because their vehicles offer fewer layers of protection than a car, which surrounds passengers. Cars are also sometimes negligent when driving around motorcyclists and take added risks which put motorcyclists in danger.
If you ride, make sure that you:
1) Wear a helmet each time you are on the road.
Brain trauma in Hollywood and Florida is a serious problem for many motorists who have been injured in collisions. If you are in a motorcycle accident and suffer a serious head injury, you could experience memory loss, personality changes, mobility problems, cognitive difficulties, and other problems that can prevent you from returning to your motorcycle, your career, or your life.
A helmet is one of the best ways to ensure that you stay safe. If you are thrown from the motorcycle, a helmet can cushion your head and prevent your head from striking the pavement or another hard surface. It can save your life and it can help you avoid serious injury.
A helmet is only effective, however, if you wear it each time head on the road — and if you wear it correctly. Take the time to choose a proper helmet and refuse to ride without it. Always secure the helmet correctly so that it does not fly off during a crash.
2) Get training.
Driving a car is very different from riding a motorcycle. If you have been a car driver for a long time and want to make the switch to a motorcycle, get training about the proper ways to ride and maintain your bike. A professional instructor can show you how to avoid dangerous situations and how to go into a slide safely if there is no way to avoid a collision.
3) Get the best insurance coverage possible.
In a car accident, your chances of being seriously injured are much higher if you are on a bike rather than in a car. You will want the best type of coverage you can buy so that you are protected in the event that you are seriously injured. Compare premiums and coverage to find a policy that is right for you.
4) Stay visible to other motorists.
Motorcycles are smaller vehicles and can easily find themselves in the blind spots of larger SUVs, trucks, or even cars. Make sure that you are easily visible by wearing reflective clothing at night and by using the lights on your motorcycle. Make eye contact with drivers around you so that they are aware of your presence.
Have you been injured in a motorcycle accident in South Florida? The attorneys at Flaxman Law Group are standing by to offer you legal advice and representation if you need it. Simply contact our law firm today for a free case review.