During the milder months of the year, especially with the high price of fuel, many motorcycles are found on the highways. All drivers should adopt a preventive driving style if we are to succeed in curbing motorcycling accidents, now that the number of motorcycle riders is so much greater. There are a number of approaches in which you can help to keep the number of accidents down.

Safety starts with motorcycle riders agreeing to the need for them to wear safety apparel at all times, and to adjust the speed they drive at to the conditions. Resist riding in busy traffic and on freeways unless of course you are a skilled rider. To do so will lower the risk of yourself as well as others of having an accident. Do not get on your motorcycle unless things are in good working order, and especially make sure that all of the necessary controls can be reached. Irrespective of the vehicle being driven, no person needs to drink and drive. Numerous bike accidents seem to involve consumption of alcohol.

An essential component of riding a bike is that you have to continuously be aware of what other vehicles are doing. Motor vehicles have blind spots where the driver cannot see other vehicles, and it’s worse with bikes. A vehicle driver can thus abruptly change lanes, thinking there is nobody in it, and a bike rider should constantly watch out for this. When driving into the evening, make certain that your head lights are working, along with everything else. There’s a greater chance for riders with little practical experience to be the ones getting into accidents. Novice riders have less understanding of the regulations of the road, and are a lot less relaxed when operating their motorcycle. Anybody not paying attention, though, including seasoned riders, could end up in an accident.

Hindrances in the lane are more dangerous for bikers. Smaller objects smacked by a car without much problem can have perilous consequences for a bike rider. Every person that drives a car should keep in mind blind spots, and strive to know about where all other roadusers are at all times, motorcycles especially. Make use of your mirrors to check what other vehicles are doing, and do so several times before making any move, while signalling well before time what you are going to do. Older design motorcycles lack turn signals, so keep a close watch for any turns. Through the night you need to pay attention, because that specific light heading towards you might be a motorcycle, or a car with a headlight out.

It is best to follow a motorcycle ahead of you by a lengthier distance than you would a car. Any abrupt stopping that creates a rear end crash will be a lot worse when you rear end a motorcycle. The rider and any passenger will generally be injured a lot more terribly than if they were in a car. Don’t think that being an skilled rider makes you immune to having an accident – it can happen in the blink of an eye. You can’t take away every hazard, but you can be mindful, by driving defensively.