Avoiding Serious Accidents on Motorcycles in Treasure Coast, FL

Many people choose to ride motorcycles in Treasure Coast, FL because they are affordable, offer great gas mileage, are more environmentally friendly and offer an experience high in adrenaline. Unfortunately, regardless of the prevalence of motorcyclists, more than 4,000 people die as a result of a motorcycle accident each year. Though the danger and risks of riding a motorcycle may seem to be an unavoidable part of the lifestyle, safety should still be a top priority for all motorcyclists. Motorcycles may inherently be less safe than cars, but there are still things both motorcyclists and drivers can do to keep both parties safe.

Here are a few steps you can take to keep the road safe for both drivers and motorcyclists:

• Wear a helmet. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, out of 100 motorcyclists killed in a crash while not wearing a helmet, 37 could have survived if they had worn one. When purchasing a helmet, make sure it is approved by the Department of Transportation, and that it fits properly for optimum protection.
• Take a motorcycle safety course. A motorcycle safety course will teach bikers laws that apply to motorcycles, how to respond to emergency situations and also provide an opportunity to become comfortable with the vehicle in a controlled and safe environment. It’s better to learn how to recover from a skid in a class, rather than at 60 mph speeds on a highway. Many insurance companies will even offer a reduced rate if you take a safety course.
• Wear protective clothing. For many, part of the appeal of riding a motorcycle is the connection to the open road. But this comes with a lot of risk, as motorcycles offer very little protection in crashes. In a crash situation, choosing the right gear may actually be lifesaving. Clothing should be made of abrasion-resistant material and fit snug to the body. The leather isn’t just a look—it can mean the difference between life and death.
• Avoid distractions. Distracted driving is always a bad idea, but it is even worse on a motorcycle. Taking your hands off of the handlebars to fiddle with an iPhone drastically decreases your control and compromises your steering, braking, shifting and accelerating abilities. It also takes a devastating toll on your reaction time. Something as simple as checking your phone can put you at a high risk for collision.
• Never assume other motorists will check twice. Automobile drivers are also responsible for keeping motorcyclists safe. The easiest way to ensure this is by always by always checking twice. Motorcycles are significantly smaller than most vehicles and can often be easily missed, leading to collisions that can potentially be fatal for both driver and rider. Car and truck drivers, check your blind spots for motorcycles prior to switching lanes. Motorcyclists, never assume the driver sees you—the “check twice” rule needs to work both ways.

At Treasure Coast Honda Kawasaki, keeping you safe is always a top priority when you come to look at new motorcycles in Treasure Coast, FL. Visit us today to find both the bike and the gear that will keep you as safe as possible on the open road.