There’s an old saying that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. That adage applies to motorcycle drivers and passengers. Many motorcycle accidents cause death or catastrophic injuries because the motorcycle rider can fall straight to the hard ground or be thrown into the truck or car that caused the accident. The best strategy is to try to do everything you can to avoid being hit. One of the best things drivers can do is make sure they increase the odds that drivers of larger vehicles see them.
Motorcycle visibility strategies
Many truck and car drivers simply don’t think to look for motorcycles when they are driving. Here are some ways you can help the other drivers see you and your motorcycle:
- Buy a brightly colored motorcycle or paint part of your motorcycle orange, yellow, or another bright color.
- Wear clothing that others will see, such as bright jackets, vests, or helmets.
- Use reflective tape, which can help drivers see you at night.
- Learn where the blind spots of truck and car drivers are and make a point of staying out of those blind spots.
- Use high-beam lights during the day, but be more careful about when you use them at night.
- Tap your brakes, so the lights will warn the drivers behind you that you’re in front of them.
- Consider using additional accent light sources that didn’t come with the motorcycle.
- Don’t forget to use your horn, and make sure your horn is operable and easy to use before you ride.
- Make sure your headlights, taillights, and turn signals are in working order.
- Make sure your passengers follow the same strategies, such as wearing bright clothing.
- Consider adding saddlebags and other luggage that is also bright.
Perhaps most importantly, don’t rely on the other driver seeing you. Make sure you keep safe distances away from cars, trucks, buses, and other vehicles. Always drive defensively.
At Banks and Jones, our Knoxville motorcycle accident attorneys fight for drivers, passengers, and families when injury or death occurs. We are highly experienced in proving how an accident happened and showing whether another party is liable for your pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical expenses. To speak with a caring advocate now, please phone us at 865-546-2141 or fill out our contact form to make an appointment. We’re ready to help you get justice.
T. Scott knows the importance of interacting with colleagues to stay abreast of developments and changes in the legal world. T. Scott frequently teaches CLE courses on trial strategy, teaching other lawyers his methods for success in the courtroom, and is certified as a Rule 31 Mediator in the Tennessee Supreme Court. He is a member of the Knoxville Bar Association, the Tennessee Bar Association, the National Trial Lawyers, and both the Tennessee and American Associations for Justice.
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