The summer months present an ideal time to get out on your motorcycle. Whether you’re commuting to work or out on a leisurely ride, it’s important to consider different ways of protecting yourself.
The reality is that motorcyclists simply do not have the same levels of protection as other road users. If you end up in a crash on your bike, it is highly likely that you will come off worse in terms of injuries. Intersections are especially risky because there are high volumes of traffic, with drivers who can often be impatient.
Outlined below are a few ways to protect yourself at intersections as a motorcyclist.
Careful lane positioning
As a motorcyclist, it’s pivotal that you avoid the blind spots of other vehicles. These are areas surrounding a car or truck where the driver is unable to see you. Don’t get too close to the rear end of a vehicle and avoid riding directly on the left or right-hand side of the vehicle. Your lane positioning is crucial, as drivers are generally not able to judge the speed of motorcycles as accurately as other vehicles. To ensure your safety, try to be defensive and never assume that a driver has seen you.
Make yourself stand out
As well as lane positioning, there are other ways to make yourself stand out at intersections. A high-visibility motorcycle jacket may not be your first choice in terms of fashion, but it helps other drivers to spot you. If your bike is a darker color, it may be worth thinking about adding some reflective stickers and bright markings that help other road users notice you.
Even when you are as careful as possible, the negligence of other drivers can place you at risk. If you’ve been seriously injured on your bike, it’s probably time to start thinking about your legal options in terms of pursuing compensation for your pain and damages.
