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How to Safely Operate a Motorcycle on the Highway
How to safely operate a motorcycle on the highway
by jessica.freeburg@thomsonreuters.com | Jan 16, 2020 | Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries
Most people who enjoy riding a motorcycle have the most fun when they’re on the open road. And in many cases, this means taking to the highway.
While it’s enjoyable to ride a motorcycle on the highway, it’s also extremely dangerous if you don’t know exactly what you are doing.
Here are five safety tips you can follow to safely operate a motorcycle on a highway:
- Keep your speed in check: It’s easy to blow by the speed limit, especially if traffic is light and you see nothing but open road ahead. Rather than do this, know the speed limit and keep your bike below it at all times.
- Beware of your following distance: The faster you’re driving, the more time it takes to stop your motorcycle. Leave extra following distance between your bike and the vehicle in front of yours, as it buys you more time should you have to brake in a hurry.
- Keep an eye on the sky: Inclement weather, such as rain, can make the road slick, thus increasing the risk of losing control of your motorcycle. If the weather takes an unexpected turn for the worse, adjust your driving style appropriately.
- Avoid blind spots: Your motorcycle isn’t as big as other vehicles on the road, so it’s a challenge for other drivers to see you. This is particularly true of large commercial vehicles. It’s a must to avoid blind spots, such as the area directly next to a truck.
- Ride in the right lane: This is the safest place to ride, as traffic is slower and it’s not used regularly for passing. Do most your riding here and you’ll feel much better about your safety.
When you follow these tips, you improve your safety and better your chance of reaching your destination without incident.
If you’re injured in a motorcycle-car accident, you must call 911 for immediate help. Depending on your injuries, this may not be possible, so ask someone else to do so on your behalf (if they haven’t already).
After you receive treatment, understand your prognosis and review the details of the accident, you can request a copy of the police report and contact your insurance agent. These are all steps you must take if you want to seek compensation from the person who caused the accident.