With Florida being sunny and mild for most of the year compared to other states, it is no wonder that there are a lot of motorcyclists on the road. Unfortunately, this also creates a traffic situation that can lead to more accidents, injuries and even fatalities. The Miami Herald reports that Florida is the number one state in the U.S. for motorcycle fatalities.
One survey done by AAA shows that less than half of the motorcyclists in Florida were seen wearing helmets. But safety goes beyond just self-protection. In order to protect themselves and other drivers and pedestrians, motorcyclists should be aware of some helpful safety tips.
A guide to safe riding
Riders can follow the advice provided by the Florida Department of Transportation, as reported by WNDB News. One of the biggest steps riders can take to prevent accidents is to drive sober. Some of the following strategies can help as well:
- Motorcyclists can inspect their bikes before riding to avoid errors caused by vehicle malfunctions.
- Motorcycle training does not just stop at the first lessons required to get a permit to ride. Regularly attending training sessions can help riders to stay on point when on the road.
- A problem faced by motorcyclists is that they are smaller and thus more difficult to see on the road. Wearing bright colors can help to mitigate this circumstance.
- Weaving between lanes to pass cars is a good way to get hit by drivers changing lanes. This activity should be avoided.
If an accident does happen, the severity of injuries can be lessened by wearing protective leather vestments. By staying safe and aware on the roads, riders can reduce the likelihood that an accident will occur.