As much as we wish we could control the behavior of others, the truth is that there will always be irresponsible drivers on the road. Knowing this, there are still plenty of things that motorcyclists can do proactively to help protect themselves and reduce the risk of getting into an accident with another vehicle. One of the simplest things motorcyclists can do is increase their visibility.
It is not uncommon for drivers to claim that they “never even saw” the motorcyclist in the moments before a collision. Part of the reason for this may be because they simply weren’t paying attention to their surroundings, but it is also a fact that motorcycles are much smaller than vehicles and can accelerate very quickly, which can, and does, make them more prone to accidents.
Here are some things you can do to make yourself more conspicuous to other drivers:
- Wear brightly-colored gear. Consider a bright helmet or other high-visibility safety gear such as jackets and gloves.
- Ride a brightly-colored motorcycle. The dark color of most motorcycles doesn’t do the rider any favors when it comes to visibility. If you’re in the market for a bike, consider choosing one in a high-visibility color.
- Add reflective tape. If your bike isn’t a high-visibility color, you can still make it easier to see by adding reflective materials. Reflective tape can be added to the edges of panniers, around wheel rims, or anywhere else on the bike you want to draw attention to.
- Add auxiliary lights. Adding extra light sources to your bike can make a big difference whether you ride during the day or at night – in fact, they can help other drivers more accurately determine a motorcyclist’s position and speed.
- Avoid riding in blind spots. It may seem obvious, but always avoid riding in areas where a driver won’t be able to immediately see you. Never assume that a driver is always going to do the right thing and turn their head to check if you are there before they change lanes.
Help for Texas Motorcycle Accident Victims
Motorcyclists who are injured in collisions with negligent drivers may be owed compensation for their medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more. If you or someone you know has been hurt, you owe it to yourself to consult an Austin motorcycle accident lawyer at The Stewart Law Firm, PLLC to learn more about your rights. Our experienced lawyer can guide you through the entire process and fight for maximum compensation on your behalf.
Fill out our online consultation form to get started or call the firm at (512) 326-3200.
