It’s an individual’s choice to buy a motorcycle, receive a proper license and hit the streets on their bike instead of driving a car. But that doesn’t mean that motorcyclists deserve the consequences of entering the roadways with far less protection than other motorists.
Motorcycle riders across the country almost 30 times more likely to die in an accident than other motorists. Plus, deaths from motorcycle crashes have been rising for over two decades in California. Since there is no way to predict the moves of those you share the road with, it’s crucial for local motorcyclists to take steps to preserve their safety.
Lane-splitting training
State laws allow California residents to split or share lanes with other motorists. Although this can help keep traffic flowing, there are clear risks involved with lane-splitting. You might wind up in a driver’s blind spot if you aren’t paying attention or you might decide to enter a lane right as a car you are nearing attempts to change lanes — both of which can cause a collision. Fortunately, motorcycle riders in California can enroll in a training course that breaks down how you should and shouldn’t approach lane-splitting.
Flashy and protective clothing
Whether you take up the option to split a lane with a car or stay in your own lane, you can try and establish your presence with bright or fluorescent clothing. There is a study that reveals high-visibility clothing options can decrease the chance of a motorcycle crash by 37%.
And since you are up against cars large and small and truck drivers hauling massive loads, it doesn’t hurt to invest in high-quality protective gear. A helmet alone can help reduce deaths and brain injuries that result from motorcycle accidents.
In general, there is always room for improvement when it comes to the sharpening your skills or gearing up before each ride. Being proactive about safety can help prevent an accident caused by your error or the actions of fellow commuters.