7 Tips to Enhance Road Safety For Teen Motorcyclists
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Motorcycle riding is a fun and exciting way to get around, but it can also be dangerous. This is because motorcycles are not as stable as cars or trucks, and the rider’s position on the bike puts them at risk of being ejected from it in an accident.
Motorcycle accidents are often catastrophic, and the injuries of the victim are usually life-threatening or impacting. Thus, it’s important to know your rights if you’re involved in one. If your injuries are severe enough that they require medical attention, you may want to contact a motorcycle accident lawyer right away so they can help with insurance claims and other issues related to your treatment.
Road Safety For Teen Motorcyclists
Motorcycling is a popular activity among teens. However, as they get older, many teens who are interested in motorcycling will start to take it more seriously and begin to learn how to ride more safely.
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1. Learn basic motorcycle skills.
Teens don’t need to be expert riders right away. Most teens are not going to have the skill level necessary for highway traffic and lane changes. Motorcycles are also more difficult to control than other vehicles and can require more effort to stop or turn. As such, motorcyclists need to learn basic motorcycle skills before they ride.
If you want your teen to become skilled at riding, it is essential that he or she learns the basic skills of riding a motorcycle. The first thing that should be taught is how to put on and take off a helmet, as well as how to use a mirror and other safety equipment.
If you want to become a skilled motorcyclist, here are some tips:
- Learn how to use the clutch and brake properly
- Practice shifting gears properly
- Learn how to use your mirror
- Practice riding with other motorcyclists in a group setting
2. Learn basic road or traffic rules.
While all riders should know the rules of the road, there are some specific rules that apply specifically to teens who are learning how to ride motorcycles. For example, all riders under 18 must wear a helmet while riding their motorcycle; this requirement applies whether they are moving or parked on a public road or highway. Also, any rider under 18 must be accompanied by an adult when riding at night; this rule applies regardless of where they are going or where they are going on their motorcycles during the daytime hours (i.e., school drop-off).
3. Avoid impaired driving
The legal limit for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is 0.08 percent blood alcohol content (BAC). The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that nearly 20 percent of all fatal crashes involve drivers with BACs between 0.05 and 0.07 percent. This means that about 3,000 people die each year in alcohol-related motor vehicle accidents.
Teenagers are at a high risk of being involved in an alcohol-related accident because they often do not know their limits and they may be more likely to drink while driving than adults who have been drinking before getting behind the wheel.
The best way to avoid impaired driving is through education. Parents and teens should talk about acceptable levels of drinking, driving after consuming alcohol, and other factors that can increase the risk of an accident or make driving less safe such as fatigue or distraction from cell phones or other electronic devices.
4. Stay away from excessive speed
Teenage motorcyclists are often tempted to push the limits of their bikes. With the right attitude and a little bit of knowledge, they can avoid most of the common mistakes that lead to accidents. Anyone who has been on a motorcycle knows that the speedometer is one of the most important safety tools. You can’t always see what’s ahead of you, especially when it comes to other vehicles and pedestrians. But there are also some things you can do to keep yourself safe while driving at excessive speeds.
The first thing you should do is slow down. If you have the option to do so safely, or if it would help to avoid an accident in any way possible, then slow down. Even though this may feel counterintuitive, slowing down will make it easier for other drivers and pedestrians to see your motorcycle and avoid any potential problems.
Motorcyclists should also avoid excessive speed, especially at night. Motorcycles are most vulnerable to accidents when ridden at high speeds. For example, a motorcyclist traveling at 80 mph on a dry road can expect an accident every 10 seconds. While riding at excessive speeds can be dangerous for riders themselves, it can also be dangerous for others around them too! Be sure to follow all laws regarding speed limits and wear proper protective gear when biking in unsafe conditions such as rain or extreme weather conditions.
5. Gear up
Always wear your protective gear, including a helmet, jacket and pants, boots and gloves, knee pads and elbow pads, a neck brace if you’re under 18 years old, and glasses or goggles that can be worn over your regular eyeglasses (if you wear prescription glasses), and a DOT-approved full face helmet that meets the CPSC standard for youth helmets
6. Learn about motorcycle maintenance
Motorcycle maintenance is the process of keeping your motorcycle running at peak performance. It is important to know how to do it, because a motorcycle can be dangerous if not maintained properly.
Some of the most common problems that riders encounter are engine overheating, brakes that do not work properly, and a loose or broken seat. These problems can be easily fixed by following a few simple steps:
- Make sure that the tires have enough air in them, especially if they’re worn down.
- Check for any loose parts such as nuts or bolts that could fall off while riding, which could cause an accident.
- Check oil levels and replace them when needed.
- Make sure that all safety gear is in place including helmets, boots and gloves and that there are no defects in these items too.
7. Ride defensively
The best way to ride defensively is to practice good riding habits from the start. If you are new to riding, it is a good idea to learn how to stop your motorcycle safely first before learning how to ride it faster. Practice with someone who knows what they are doing until you have mastered this skill.
Motorcycle riders should look for motorcycles, cars and trucks that may be approaching from behind. Motorcyclists should use their mirrors to check for oncoming traffic and take appropriate evasive action when necessary. Motorcyclists should also be aware that pedestrians may not expect to see them coming because they are wearing helmets. Motorcyclists should always wear bright clothing, especially at night time.
When riding in traffic, always keep an eye out for other vehicles and pedestrians. Don’t assume that other cars will stop for you if you pull out in front of them or slow down suddenly – they may not see you until it is too late.
Also, remember that pedestrians can’t stop quickly either – so watch out for them too!
Author Brett Sachs
Brett Sachs, partner & principal attorney at MVP Accident Attorneys, graduated from Michigan State University College of Law with Cum Laude Honors and worked for an insurance defense firm before starting his practice. Brett has evaluated thousands of personal injury cases and has helped his clients receive the justice they deserve.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
