Within minutes, the mind clears, and the hassles of life disappear entirely.

Unfortunately, it’s not always just you and the open road. There are cars, trucks, and pedestrians out there to contend with. Some could give you back the stress you’re trying to unload.

Having an accident while riding on two wheels can be much more devastating than having four wheels and a cage around you. Knowing what safety precautions you can take to avoid accidents can make your riding time much safer.

6 Safety Precautions Motorcyclists Can Take To Avoid Accidents

The Washington Traffic Safety Commission reports that although motorcycles only account for 3% of the vehicles on the state’s roads, they account for approximately 19% of the serious injuries from vehicle collisions. Many of these accidents can be avoided by following some basic motorcycle precautions.

If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident, contact a motorcycle accident lawyer. Only an attorney with experience in motorcycle accidents can guide you to what you must do to be properly compensated.

Whether you have thousands of miles under your belt or you’re new to the two-wheeled lifestyle, there are several things that you can do to help keep your riding safe and enjoyable. Here’s a list of the best precautions you can take to avoid accidents.

Defensive Riding

Riding defensively doesn’t mean you’re white-knuckling and fearing the worst. It means you’re mentally prepared for whatever the ride brings. Having a plan and being prepared is crucial for avoiding motorcycle mishaps. A few things to think about on your next motorcycle ride are:

● Always assume that other vehicles don’t see you

● Don’t be afraid to use your horn if necessary

● Be prepared to take evasive action

Be Seen

A motorcycle has a much smaller profile on the road and sometimes other vehicles may have difficulty seeing you. You must do everything possible to make yourself more visible to others on the road. Some suggestions for this are:

● Always ride with your headlight and running lights on

● Wear bright-colored clothing

● Add reflective strips to your helmet

Don’t Split Lanes

Some bikers believe there’s no such thing as traffic when on a motorcycle. Avoid the temptation to lane split when encountering stopped traffic or a traffic jam. Contrary to popular belief, Washington State law is very clear regarding this bad habit many bikers make. Lane splitting is an accident just waiting to happen.

Don’t Drink and Ride

This seems like a simple precaution; however, many bikers don’t adhere to this common sense rule. Not only is it illegal, but it’s also just plain old stupid. Alcohol and motor vehicles of all types simply don’t mix.

Riding safely takes concentration and quick reaction times. Stopping for a quick beer while out enjoying the road may seem like a great and harmless idea, but it’s not. If you’re going to ride, don’t drink. If you’re going to drink, don’t ride.

Inspect Your Bike

An often overlooked motorcycle safety precaution should occur before your wheels move an inch. Take a few moments to give your bike a good once over. Ensure its tires are properly inflated, make sure your headlight and running lights are working, try both of the turn signals, and tap the horn. Before hitting the road, slowly ease off the clutch, move forward a bit, and apply both front and rear brakes to ensure they work properly.

Distance Between Vehicles

What’s more important than how fast your bike can accelerate is how quickly it can stop. Always give yourself plenty of room between your bike and the vehicle in front of you. For city driving, this extra distance can give you the proper space if you need to quickly ride around a vehicle that stops suddenly. On the highway, give yourself even more space to allow for the sudden braking of a vehicle in front of you.

Final Thoughts on Riding Safe

Nothing can be worse than going out for an awesome motorcycle ride when the unexpected happens, and your bike’s shiny side is no longer up. Smart riders use caution when riding to avoid being involved in an accident. Be smart, ride safely, and have fun.