Few things can compare to the adrenaline coursing through your body as you zip down the road on a motorcycle. Motorcyclists enjoy the freedom you can’t get in a car, but this thrill comes with increased risks. Motorcyclist deaths increased by three percent from 2006 to 2015.
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Riders are well aware their choice of transportation lacks a car’s added protection. Motorcycles are also less visible on the road compared to four-wheeled automobiles, and weather conditions pose more serious threats for passengers. Read on for a few more reasons why vehicle maintenance is so critical for motorcyclists.
High-speed dangers
One of the most prized features of a motorcycle is its ability to dart and weave through traffic. However, this agility poses high risks when a bike’s tires or brake systems aren’t properly maintained.
Properly maintaining these components is the first line of defense in motorcycle safety.
If not working correctly, faulty brakes could result in serious injury to you or other people. Follow the manufacturer’s schedule to maintain brake pads and fluid levels.
Tire blowouts and road hazards like potholes and debris are dangerous for all vehicles but can be especially catastrophic for motorcycles. Visually inspect your tires before each ride for cracks, puncture spots, or bulging areas. Also, refer to your owner’s manual to check your tires’ proper PSI levels before filling up.
Factory defects
What would you do if your handlebars became loose or detached while riding? Could you maintain control? Handlebars are an essential part of keeping your bike under control. Speeding up, braking, balancing, and evasive maneuvers all require properly secure motorcycle handlebars.
In case of a motorcycle accident, it’s important for the forensic investigator to be aware of tech service bulletins and factory recall on different parts. For example, in 2017, Yamaha recalled 20,000 late-model bikes because of a potentially dangerous handlebar issue. A mechanical failure like a handlebar detachment could easily be mistaken as a casualty in the crash, when in fact, the handlebar malfunctioning caused the wreck.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states loose handlebars can cause a driver to lose control and increase the risk of a wreck. Don’t be held liable for factory defects on parts. Contacting a lawyer ensures your accident receives a thorough investigation.
Public perception
When cars and motorcycles collide, it’s usually the car driver that’s at fault. Car drivers tend to be less aware of motorcycle riders on the road unless the driver is a motorcycle rider too. The NHTSA identifies a few ways car drivers threaten motorcyclists’ safety including:
- Distracted driving
- Trailing too close behind a motorcyclist
- Not giving motorcyclists the full width of the lane
- Merging or lane changes without checking for blind spots first
- Changing lanes without signaling
You cannot control other drivers’ behavior, but keeping your bike highly visible reduces your risk of a collision. Ensure headlights, taillights, reflective accessories, and signals are functional before each ride.
Even though motorcyclists are at a greater risk than car drivers, preconceived notions, and stereotypes about motorcyclists’ recklessness can result in injuries awarding less money to riders. In the event of a motorcycle accident, hire a personal injury lawyer specializing in auto accidents, like the New Mexico-based Davis Kelin Law Firm. Legal representation helps you take a stand and avoid being a victim.
Cruising down roads on your beloved bike can be safe with proper vehicle maintenance. Following the manufacturer’s schedule and visually inspecting parts keeps your bike in optimum condition, so each trip ends with you arriving safely at your destination.
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