Motorcycles can be exhilarating to ride, yet they can also be dangerous at the same time. There are some tips motorcyclists can take into account when purchasing or taking off on a motorcycle to reduce their risk of becoming involved in a catastrophic crash.
Smaller motorcycles tend to be safer for beginners and individuals of petite stature. A larger motorcycle requires more upper body strength, making it more challenging to maneuver and mount. It’s also more of a challenge to stop a bike if it’s too tall for the user. Balancing can be an issue if it requires a person to be on their tiptoes because they cannot stand flat-footed.
There is a difference between cruising and touring bikes. Cruising bikes generally have lower seat heights; however, touring ones are often on the heavier side. Trikes or bikes with a sidecar might be beneficial for those with balance issues. An additional driver’s license endorsement may be necessary depending on the type of bike you’re looking to operate. Obtaining other endorsements once you have a motorcycle endorsement should be relatively painless to do.
It’s essential to have a helmet that meets current U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements. You should replace your helmet at least once every five years. You should swap out your current helmet immediately if you’ve had a crash while wearing it.
You should also regularly check your tires to ensure that they’re adequately inflated and avoid riding on wet roads.
A defensive driving course may be beneficial for you in filling in skills gaps. Taking such a class is particularly important for less experienced riders or those who haven’t ridden their bikes in some time.
There are a variety of reasons that motorcycle accidents occur. Neither a rider’s lack of experience nor their rusty skills have to be risk factors. You don’t have to let a poorly sized or maintained motorcycle or damaged helmet put your life in danger, either. One thing you have very little control over is how other motorists operate their vehicles. They’re the most significant danger on the road.
Fortunately, there’s hope if you suffered injuries due to one of the more common causes of motorcycle accidents. You may be entitled to monetary compensation for medical bills and other expenses incurred due to your Sarasota crash. An attorney can evaluate your Florida case and recommend the best way to proceed.