Most people in Indiana understand that riding a motorcycle is more dangerous than car travel. Because motorcycles aren’t equipped with protective walls and other safety features that cars have, it’s easy to see why motorcyclists are more at risk for injury and death.
Despite the inherent risks of motorcycle travel, there are some steps that bikers can take to protect themselves from motorcycle crashes. Here are three of the most important things motorcyclists can do to stay safe on the road.
#1: Wear protective gear
The single most important piece of protective gear is a helmet. Motorcycle crash statistics show that riders can decrease their chance of death by 29% if they just wear a helmet. Helmets also reduce the risk of a serious brain injury by 67%.
In addition to helmets, motorcyclists should wear long pants, leather jackets, protective gloves, and durable boots. All of these items can prevent severe injuries to the body if a motorcyclist is thrown off of their bike.
#2: Invest in rider education
While Indiana requires motorcyclists to pass a skills test, riders may want to invest in more ongoing training beyond what is required by law. Paying for motorcycle training with an expert instructor can give riders additional skills so that they know how to handle adverse conditions.
#3: Look out for distracted drivers
Distracted driving is a huge problem these days, especially when car drivers are distracted by digital devices. Motorcyclists should be especially cognizant of distractions since many car drivers already have a problem noticing motorcycles. If a motorcyclist sees that a driver is texting, for example, it may be wise to get farther away from the distracted driver.
If you were involved in a motorcycle accident, you may be able to get compensation for your injuries. Motorcycle accidents can result in serious injuries, so it may be wise to pursue damages from the at-fault driver’s insurance provider.
