One thing that drivers often say just after they’ve run into a motorcycle is that they didn’t see it. The police take their statements, and it doesn’t seem like the drivers intentionally did anything wrong or even acted recklessly. They just never spotted the motorcycle until they hit it.
If you are a rider, you want to take this to heart. The best way to avoid a crash may be just making sure that the driver can see you. Here are a few ways you can do so:
- Consider reflective tape. You can add it to the bike and wheels so that other cars’ headlights flash off of it at night.
- Upgrade to a high-powered headlight and ride with it on all the time, even during the day.
- Do not buy the all-too-common black motorcycle. Choose something like red, yellow or orange instead.
- Take the same approach with your clothes. A black helmet and a black jacket don’t stand out, but a red jacket and a high-vis green helmet certainly will.
- Touch the brakes before you start braking. This causes your taillights to flash even before you begin reducing speed, decreasing the odds that someone behind you will hit the bike.
- Think about where you are most visible on the road. For instance, if you’re driving in a truck’s blind spot, consider backing off or speeding up and passing the truck. Get to a place on the road where you know everyone else can see you as well as you can see them.
If these tips are not enough to help you avoid a crash, start looking into your options to seek compensation for your medical bills and other costs.
