It’s important to exercise caution when operating any motor vehicle. This is particularly true in relatively busy areas, like Seattle, Spokane, and Everett.
Again, whether you’re driving a car, motorcycle, or truck, being involved in an accident could result in serious injuries that may permanently impact your quality of life. That said, statistics indicate that motorcycle riders are uniquely vulnerable to major injuries when they are involved in accidents. Some studies have even revealed that the odds of someone involved in a motor vehicle accident losing their life as a result are 29 times greater if they are on a motorcycle than if they are in an enclosed vehicle. A motorcycle simply doesn’t offer the same degree of protection as a car or truck.
It’s essential that you keep vital safety tips in mind whenever you’re riding your motorcycle. Along with the basic safety precautions you hopefully are already taking, such as wearing a helmet and obeying the rules of the road, the following are several others to be aware of.
Don’t Assume You’re Alert Enough to Ride if You’re Even Slightly Drowsy
Drowsy driving is very unsafe. Researchers have actually argued that depending on just how tired someone is, operating a motor vehicle while drowsy can be essentially as dangerous as doing so while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
You may think you can properly assess how tired you are if you’re mildly drowsy before a motorcycle ride. This likely is a false assumption. Reports of people who have been involved in accidents because they fell asleep while operating motor vehicles consistently indicate that most such individuals genuinely did not believe they were tired enough to fall asleep when they decided to drive. Prevent yourself from being harmed in an avoidable accident by playing it safe and not getting on your motorcycle if you’re tired enough that you likely could fall asleep if you tried.
Check for Dangerous Intersections
If you’re planning a motorcycle trip, particularly one that will involve riding in areas with which you might not be thoroughly familiar, do some research ahead of time to find out which roads and intersections are most dangerous for motorcycle riders. Although there are some exceptions, most counties throughout Washington State and the rest of the country will maintain annual data about motor vehicle accidents by location. Plan your route accordingly so that you don’t put yourself in harm’s way.
Always Check the Weather
This ties in with the last point. If your motorcycle trip is going to be taking you to areas that are somewhat far from home, don’t assume the weather in those areas will be the same as it is at your starting location. Check the weather in all areas where you may be driving and avoid spots where conditions could increase your chances of being injured.
Unfortunately, even if you’re cautious, someone else’s negligence may result in you being harmed on your motorcycle one day. Contact our motorcycle accident attorneys at Russell & Hill, PLLC, serving the Seattle, Spokane, and Everett areas of Washington if this ever happens. We will review your case for free, let you know if you are eligible to recover compensation, and help you pursue it if so. Call us at 800-529-0842 to learn more about what we can do for you.