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Old or young, more and more people are finding joy in riding a motorcycle, whether as a hobby or traveling means. Riding a motorcycle is also a better way of commuting in cities like Los Angeles, where traffic jams are a daily occurrence, but the weather is kind to motorcyclists.
However, if not done properly and safely, motorcycle riding can bring as much grief as it can bring joy. Therefore, all new riders need to learn proper riding behaviour, and all older riders to remind themselves of some very important motorcycle safety procedures.
One of the most dangerous periods for motorcycle riders is certainly night-time when spotting a motorcycle becomes even harder for all other drivers. As a result, late-night rides have an increased risk factor, and when safety procedures are not employed, motorcycle accident fatalities happen.
According to the IIHS (Institute for Highway Safety) fatality rate in motorcycle accidents increases after 6 p.m. This is when motorcycles become less visible as the rush hour begins.
Furthermore, not all roads have proper lighting. Further, you go from the downtown of a city, darker it becomes, and here is where riders are at risk of being seriously injured in a motorcycle accident.
But the danger doesn’t stop when the rush hour passes. Once everyone is back in their homes, the partygoers hit the street, and many often decide to drive while drunk. These drivers are a danger to all people in traffic, not simply to motorcycle riders, but motorcycle riders are much more exposed than any other driver. Because of the lack of vehicle shell, riders and pedestrians are especially at risk at night. Motorcyclists tend to gain severe injuries in motorcycle accidents like broken bones, brain injury, and severe tissue damage.
Still, no matter the dangers in traffic a motorcycle rider can come upon, riders can do things to ensure their safety and everyone else in traffic.
1. Wear Reflective Gear
The number one reason why motorcyclists get into an accident after night is low visibility. Therefore, a rider must do anything in their power to make themselves more visible to other vehicles. Here is where reflective gear comes into the scene.
While reflective gear tends to cost a bit more, it can easily save a rider’s life. You can choose a complete gear set and go reflective head-to-toe or simply get a reflective safety west, pants, or a helmet. Make sure your clothing is bright-colored and not black.
You can also decorate your motorcycle with reflective upgrades like lights and reflectors.
2. Wear Regular Gear
If you are considering riding a motorcycle at night, make sure to put every piece of protective gear you own. If you are missing one, get it as soon as possible because only a complete set will offer full protection. Put on your helmet, riding boots, eyewear, gloves, and coverings for arms and legs before you ride out into the night. Then, if an accident happens, you’ll be as protected as you can be, and it can help minimize your injuries.
3. Don’t Drink and Ride
You need to know that at night-time, especially on weekends, roads are filled with drunk drivers. As a rider, don’t count on others to stay sober and focused at that hour, although they should.
Furthermore, you are required to be even more focused on the road and pay even more attention to everything around you to allow yourself to drink and ride. How can you stay alert to other drunk drivers when you yourselves are intoxicated?
Additionally, even if a motorcycle accident happens, if you are under the influence, you’ll most likely be blamed for the accident. Your motorcycle accident lawyer will have difficulty proving liability and seeking compensation for your injuries if the police find you were riding while drunk.
That is, if you manage to survive such accidents when many similar ends up being fatal for motorcycle riders. Therefore, stay sober and exercise caution if you want to enjoy your midnight ride and get back home safely.
4. Find Someone to Ride With
You can be much safer if you ride with a company, so always accept a ride request when one comes your way.
Whenever possible, ride together with other motorcyclists during night-time, and your safety will be increased. As a group, wearing reflective gear, you are much noticeable than when there is just one rider. Educate yourself on proper group riding techniques and enjoy your ride.
