Do you feel confident that other motorists can see you when you are riding your motorcycle? Did you know that many drivers who collide with motorcycles claim that they did not see the bike? You might wonder how this can be but it is probably wise to take the statement as truth.
Unfortunately, many bike enthusiasts in the state of Texas have suffered serious injury or death due to motorcycle accidents. In the ever-continuing quest to reduce these tragedies, never assume that you are highly visible to other motorists. According to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), not automatically assuming you are visible is a great strategy for improving your safety. Other effective strategies endorsed by the MSF include:
- Wearing bright or reflective clothing and gear
- Making sure that you always signal your intentions
- Equipping your bike with front lights, rear lights, brake lights and a horn
- Formulating escape paths as you ride
- Assuming other motorists are impaired in some manner
- Identifying any blind spots that might compromise your safety
- Making safety your No. 1 priority
Many riders feel that focusing so much on safety can take the fun out of riding. However, once you have become accustomed to safety-focused thinking, it will likely become second nature. This means that you can continue to enjoy your bike and stay safer at the same time.
For those who would like to play a role in reducing motorcycle accidents across the state, it is important to use whatever tools you possess to increase awareness. This may mean speaking out when you see bad driving behavior or calling the authorities if you suspect impairment. You can also set a good example for your neighbors by holding negligent drivers responsible for your motorcycle accident and your injuries through the legal system.