People who own and ride motorcycles adore them. They are an accessible, quick mode of transportation, and the sublime feeling of being “hip,” which has been memorably portrayed in so many films, is just incomparable.
But as many novices and experienced motorcycle buffs in South Carolina are aware, they can be pretty hazardous. You are traveling at extremely high speeds with very little or no protection. Also, you are sharing the road with vehicles that may be vastly larger than your bike. Their operators may not even be able to see you well.
And on top of those reasons, some drivers can be sloppy or downright inconsiderate when dealing with motorcyclists. When they ought to be courteous, they think of themselves and get to their destination in a hurry. Even if you are always respectful of other cars and trucks and their drivers, it’s possible that you could have a collision while riding your motorcycle.
Long before something like that happens, you can learn ways to limit the severity of a motorcycle crash. It may sound like it’s impossible to do, but a few pointers from experts can be of value if your bike has been struck by a vehicle and goes perilously out of control during your trip.
Steps to take before you even hit the road on your motorcycle
There are steps that you can take before you take to the road to keep you safe, including:
- Have the necessary apparel. That includes a helmet that fits you well, goggles and a jacket that cushions your back and arms.
- Check your motorcycle. Is it always in good working condition?
If you do, unfortunately, end up getting struck by a motorist, then you’ll want to do the following:
- Take action fast to protect your body. Immediately reduce your speed. Steer your bike far from traffic. Veer away from pedestrians.
- Release your grip on the motorcycle. This makes it less likely you will be pinned beneath it.
- If you are on the ground, arise slowly. Try not to become agitated. If you can see if others around you are hurt.
Receiving medical care following a crash always is the first priority. Then you can think about whether you want to pursue compensation.