Tips for Safe Motorcycle Riding

• Wear a helmet! Although helmet laws vary by state – and Illinois has none – wearing a helmet when riding a motorcycle is highly recommended. A significant portion of fatalities among motorcyclists are those who were not wearing helmets, and it can be, and often is, the difference between life and death in an accident. • Wear the right clothing Leather isn’t just to compliment the tough-guy attitude! Such thick and heavy clothing is highly beneficial for protecting exposed skin in the event of an accident. A few types of gear, particularly riding jackets, contain Kevlar and utilize technology similar to that of bulletproof vests for maximum protection, and some come in bright colors to make motorcyclists more visible to other drivers. • “See and be seen” Unfortunately, motorcyclists are common victims of distracted, inattentive, or otherwise negligent drivers who do not keep track of where motorcyclists may be. Try to avoid the blind-spots of other drivers whenever possible, especially trucks and other large vehicles, and always keep your headlights on. • Alert drivers of your moves To avoid all confusion with other drivers, do what you can to communicate to them that you are making a move; this usually pertains to turn signals. Other drivers must know if you are switching lanes or attempting to take a highway exit so they can adjust accordingly, and miscommunication can have devastating consequences. • Maintain distance One of the best ways to avoid the risk of an accident is to maintain a safe distance between yourself and the car/s ahead. Lane-splitting in a motorcycle can be very dangerous, and tailgating and other aggressive maneuvers can jeopardize your safety and everyone else’s. • “Avoid the avoidable” Even the most experienced riders take risks when they pop wheelies, and even the most experienced will eventually grow fatigued. Avoid attempting any impressive maneuvers while riding, and know and understand your own skill set. When you are tired, respect what your body is telling you and avoid riding for too long without enough energy. • Save racing for closed courses While motorbikes of all varieties are raced on supervised closed courses and similar professional settings, racing on the open road is one of the greatest risks a motorcyclist may undertake, and with very little to gain. The faster a motorcyclist goes, the harder the bike is to control, and the priority of top speed in a race puts everyone on the road at risk. Street-racing puts lives in danger, including those of the drivers – don’t do it! • Brake with both hands Most motorcycles feature separate brakes for the front and back wheels to help reduce stopping distance, help the brakes wear more easily over time, and lessen the chances of being flipped over the handlebars upon impact in an accident. With proper training and enough experience, you will develop good senses for both and be able to maintain control in a risky situation.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact 844 See Mike, LLC for a free consultation. We are a Chicago-based injury law firm representing individuals (and their families) who have suffered an injury in an accident. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you.

Lastly, 844 See Mike is not paid attorney’s fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.