Staying Safe While Riding a Motorcycle in McKinney

Most occurrences that people consider accidents are actually preventable collisions, and the difference between the terms is one of fault. “Accident” implies that nothing could have been done to prevent it, but that is often not the case. Most incidents could have been prevented if the people involved had followed safe driving practices and the rules of the road.

There are a lot of precautions a biker should take in the interest of avoiding accidents while riding a motorcycle. Among other services, a knowledgeable motorcycle accident attorney could discuss the various best practices that promote safety while riding a motorcycle in McKinney.

The Importance of Protective Gear

The most obvious precaution to take while riding a motorcycle is to wear the right gear. Since motorcycles afford riders no physical protection from external forces, there is nothing between the driver and the ground, or them and a larger vehicle.

It is important that a motorcycle rider have protective gear on so that they can better withstand a collision if it occurs. For example, a padded leather jacket gives them some level of protection that a person does not normally have.

The most crucial safety equipment to prioritize while riding a motorcycle in McKinney is a helmet. A good helmet can mean the difference between sustaining and not sustaining a brain injury, and could help a biker survive a devastating wreck.

Although helmets save lives, they are not required in Texas as they are in many other states. Anyone riding in McKinney, whether as a resident or out-of-state visitor, needs to be aware of all the state’s motorcycle safety laws.

Be Aware of Changes in Roadways

McKinney is an area of high growth, which involves a lot of development and redevelopment. Therefore, the roads are constantly changing with construction and new infrastructure being added.

As a result, people are not always aware of when a lane will end or when there will be construction barriers up. They could just appear overnight and can disappear just as fast, so they do not necessarily know what they are coming upon.

Any time a person is driving in a construction area on a motorcycle, they need to be extra cautious, because even motorists who are familiar with the roads may not be familiar with that intersection on that day. In a high-growth area like McKinney, accidents happen much more often than they do in other areas of the country where growth has been more stable or slower.

Keep an Eye on Other Drivers

In addition to following the rules of the road, it is important for people who are at more risk of danger—such as motorcyclists, bicyclists, and pedestrians—to be a little extra cautious around other drivers. Distracted driving can occur for any number of reasons, so it is imperative for motorcyclists to make sure they are not hurt by someone else’s negligence.

For example, a biker should understand that when a stoplight changes, a distracted driver may run a red light. Careful and prudent drivers should be aware of the road, but motorists are often distracted by construction, a cellphone, or a child crying in the back of their car.

Learn More Ways to Promote McKinney Motorcycle Safety from a Seasoned Attorney

Legal counsel could help you file suit against a negligent party for causing a motorcycle accident that resulted in you suffering severe injuries and financial losses. However, it is better to avoid a collision altogether. Whether you need legal assistance or want to know more about staying safe while riding a motorcycle in McKinney, an experienced lawyer could help. Call now.