If you’ve spent any amount of time on the road these past few weeks, you’ve probably heard the familiar buzzing sound of a motorcycle coming up behind you. That’s because spring has officially sprung, and it’s brought motorcyclists back on the road. If you’ve got a motorcycle and you’re going to be on the open road, make sure that you follow these safety tips to ensure that you’re ready for a safe ride.

Wear the Right Gear

When you’re riding a motorcycle, it’s always important to make sure that you’ve got the right safety gear. Wearing a helmet is a great way to protect yourself from head injuries. We also recommend that motorcyclists and passengers wear appropriate jackets and pants. In the event you tilt your bike, you’ll be thankful to be wearing the right jacket and pants. Short-sleeved shirts and shorts may cause serious injuries. It’s also a good idea to wear socks or shoes that cover your ankles. Gloves can also help protect motorcyclists from road rash. It may be a good idea to pack sunglasses and keep long hair tied back to preserve your visibility.

Prepare for Weather

It’s not totally summer yet: in some parts of the country, it’s still snowing occasionally.

If you’ve got a bike ride planned, it may be a good idea to plan ahead. When temperatures are too cold, the wind chill can cause frostbite and other serious injuries. Furthermore, motorcycles were not made for all-season transportation. Driving a bike in snowy conditions is often considered to be extremely dangerous. If you’re going for a bike ride, make sure you check the weather to ensure that the roads will be in good condition while you’re out. If there’s a chance it may start raining, or the weather may get cold, make sure you pack the appropriate clothing.

Get a Refresher on the Rules 

Is lane filtering illegal? What about where I’m located? Hey, can motorcyclists still use the HOV lane? Motorcycle laws change frequently, and they also change based on where you’re located. If you’re traveling to a new destination, it may be a good idea to read up on what you’re legally allowed to do. You wouldn’t want to surprise a driver because they were unprepared and unfamiliar with illegal maneuvers. It’s also a good idea to review the laws and city ordinances where you live. The state you live in may have passed a new law. Perhaps a new law was passed a long time ago, but it just went into effect this year. Before you get out on the road, make sure you’re familiar with all the laws, and you understand how to operate your bike legally and safely.

Inspect Your Bike

Just like cars, bikes sit in a garage for long periods of time without running.

Make sure nothing went wrong with your bike during the hibernation season before you take it out on the open road. It’s always a good idea to make sure you’ve had an oil change, your brakes are working, the controls are working, and your tires are in good condition.

Blinkers, brakelights, and headlights increase your visibility and help other drivers understand what you’re doing. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to make sure all the lights on your motorcycle are in proper working order. You do not want to find out that your headlights have burned out when you’re riding at night. Taking your motorcycle for a quick trip around the block can help you ensure that everything is in good condition and that your bike is ready for the road.

Look out for Motorcyclists

Now that the weather’s getting warmer, it’s a good idea to keep an eye out for cyclists. If you can hear them, but you can’t see them, it might be because they’re in your blind spot. On a similar note, just because you can’t hear them, doesn’t mean they aren’t there. Not all bikes make Earth-shattering noise, and some bikes are even designed or modified to be quieter. Be careful when you’re changing lanes, even if you don’t think any cyclists are around. Again, a cyclist can be hiding in your blind spot. Even if you aren’t riding a motorcycle this year, it may be a good idea to review your state’s motorcycle laws in order to protect those around you.

Get Started on Your Claim Today

At Moxie Law Group, our attorneys are committed to helping our clients win the compensation they need to recover from their injuries. If you’ve sustained injury by a negligent driver, and you are ready to explore your legal options, contact Moxie Law Group today.