Sarasota County, with our Gulf Coast cities like Venice, is certainly one the best places to be a motorcycle rider. Our long, flat stretches of highways through the beautiful Florida landscape and year-round perfect weather are ideal for riders. Unfortunately, it can also be one of the most dangerous states to ride. WTSP recently reported that Florida ranks as the state with the fourth-highest number of motorcycle accident deaths. With such high risks, the Florida Department of Transportation (FLDOT) has outlined several riding tips to help you stay safe. Here are those tips and what to do if you do find yourself in a motorcycle accident.
Ride Smart Florida Tips
One of the biggest programs by the FLDOT is Ride Smart Florida:
“S – Say no to driving and driving
M – Make yourself more visible to motorists
A – Always wear your helmet when you are riding
R – Ride in control (in legal and personal limits)
T – Train regularly and get endorsed”
SMART is a great way to remember the basics of motorcycle safety. However, there are more things you can do to stay safe.
Our Top Motorcycle Riding Safety Tips
Stay safe on the road with these motorcycle riding tips:
• Take a motorcycle safety course such as the Florida Rider Training Program.
• Obey all the traffic rules.
• Never use your phone while you are riding. If you need to make a call or send a text, pull over.
• Ride defensively by staying aware of your surroundings, watching for road debris, and staying cautious around other drivers.
• Keep a safe distance from other drivers.
• Always check your mirrors and blindspots before turning or switching lanes.
• Never speed. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding is the cause of 31% of motorcycle fatalities.
• Ride to the side and avoid the center of a traffic lane.
• Avoid riding in inclement weather like heavy rains or wind that can cause dangerous conditions for motorcycles.
• Always ride with your lights on.
• Maintain your motorcycle regularly to reduce the risk of mechanical failure leading to an accident.
• Inspection your motorcycle every time before you ride it. Always test your brakes and lights.
• Wear safety gear like an armored jacket and sturdy boots. Also always wear proper face and eye protection.
• Choose a bike, gear, and helmets that are in bright colors to make yourself more visible.
Following these rules can keep you safe. Unfortunately, accidents can happen even to the most cautious and skilled motorcycle riders.
What To Do If You Get Into A Motorcycle Accident
If you get into a motorcycle accident, it’s important to know what steps to take. Taking the right steps will help protect your safety, as well as be valuable when you file your accident claim. Here is what to do if you get into a motorcycle accident:
• Leave The Bike And Get To Safety: Motorcycle riders love their bikes and rightfully so. However, after an accident, your safety is more important than your “baby”. Unlike with a vehicle, you are not protected if the accident turns into a pileup. You are better off just getting to the side of the road.
• Contact 911: You will want to contact emergency services. If you are severely injured, you will go with the ambulance when they arrive. Otherwise, you will wait until the police come to file a report.
• Leave Your Gear On: In some cases, your gear may be protecting you. There have been many cases where a ride taking off their gear has caused or worsened injuries.
• Collect Evidence: If you are able, take pictures of your bike, the scene of the accident, and anything else that is relevant. Also, try to collect the names and contact information of any witnesses. Look around to see if there are any security cameras. This will all be very important later.
• See Your Physician: Even if you feel fine, always see a physician immediately to get checked out. Many serious injuries like traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injuries, and internal organ damage have delayed symptoms. Visiting your doctor can help catch these before they worsen.
Finally, you will want to speak to a knowledgeable motorcycle accident attorney. Our team at Justice Pays specializes in motorcycle accident law. We’ve helped victims just like you recover after their Venice motorcycle accidents. We can help you too. Contact us anytime. We’ll review your case and go over your legal options.
