More people than ever are taking to the road on their motorcycles for long summer drives. The weather is typically milder, which means less chance of encountering slick or icy conditions on the road. However, people should still be cautious when out on a joy ride. Here are our top tips for motorcycle safety during the hottest time of the year.
Perform Routine Maintenance on Your Bike
If you’re just taking your bike out after an extended break during the winter and spring months, you want to ensure your bike is in peak condition. Make sure to check your brake lights, signals, headlights, air pressure, and tire tread. If you haven’t taken your bike for a professional tune-up, now might be the time, particularly if you’re going on a long trip.
Invest in Proper Gear
Winter motorcycle gear is designed to keep you warm on cold rides. However, during the summer months, any extra gear will overheat you if you’re not careful. You want to be able to regulate your temperature while staying safe. Having a helmet, gloves, protective eye gear, and proper foot wear can all help to prevent you from sustaining serious injuries in the event of a crash. Many motorcycle shops have lighter-weight options for protection that can also keep you cool during the summer. Don’t forego protective gear simply because it’s hot outside.
Renew Your Insurance
If you haven’t renewed your motorcycle insurance, you should secure a new policy before driving your bike. Make sure the policy covers any upgrades you’ve made to the bike since the last time you took it out. You need sufficient insurance coverage in the event you get into an accident. Medical bills are incredibly expensive, and you’re less protected physically on a motorcycle than you are in a car. If you get into a serious accident, you will need the policy to cover not only your bike repairs but also your rehabilitative costs.
Ensure Your Visibility
As a motorcycle rider, you know visibility is the key to safety. While you may be more visible to people during the summer as opposed to during the winter months, make sure to keep plenty of space between you and the other vehicles on the road. Also, consider wearing a reflective vest or brightly colored clothes if you’re biking at night.
Be Respectful
While on your bike, you may be more maneuverable than other vehicles on the road, but you are also more vulnerable than other drivers. Testing your limits and skills as a biker is something that should be done on a closed driving course, where other vehicles won’t be in your way. Follow the rules of the road, especially since other drivers may not be doing the same.
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle accident caused by someone else’s negligence, don’t hesitate to give us a call. You shouldn’t have to pay for any medical bills, rehabilitation costs, or lost wages if your accident was caused by carelessness. Talk to one of our skilled New Orleans accident attorneys at The Womac Law Firm. We have been helping people in personal injury suits since 1983, and our lawyers are dedicated to assisting the victims of accidents throughout Louisiana. Let us see what we can do for you.
Schedule a free case consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys today by calling (504) 470-3935. You can also fill out our online contact form to get in touch with us. We look forward to speaking with you.