6 Ways to Protect Yourself as a Florida Motorcyclist
Motorcycle crash lawyers in Tampa and St. Petersburg, Florida know all too well just how dangerous motorcycle wrecks can be. So, the attorneys of Roman & Roman, P.A. want you to know the 6 best things you can do to stay safe as a motorcyclist in Florida. Some may be obvious, while a couple may not be what you expect.
#1 Stay Sober
Clearly, you should always stay sober when riding. For one, your reaction time suffers when you drink alcohol, and you need to stay sharp when riding. While you can’t control other drivers who choose to take careless risks, you can definitely protect yourself by remaining alert at all times. Plus, if you ever are involved in a crash, being drunk will only serve to hurt your case and make it almost impossible for you to get compensated.
#2 Ride in Pairs or Small Groups
Although many Florida motorcyclists prefer to ride alone, riding in a small group has its value. For instance, riding in pairs or small groups increases your visibility to others on the road. It makes a bigger footprint on the road, thus making it harder for others to ignore or “buzz” you while passing.
However, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation recommends keeping groups to no more than 5-7 riders. Naturally, many motorcycle clubs ride in much larger packs, but the recommendation remains.
#3 Wear the Right Gear
It should go without saying but wear a helmet and always use clothing that is made of natural fibers, like cotton, leather, and other non-synthetic materials. Look for clothing designed for riding, especially materials that are flame resistant and which do not melt with friction. If you even lay down your bike and find yourself sliding across 100 feet of highway, you’ll be very happy that you opted not to wear a polyester windbreaker and shorts.
#4 Get Trained
It doesn’t matter if you are a day-one rider or a seasoned pro, everyone can learn. For newer riders, you can find an MSF Basic Rider Course near you. But even skilled riders can gain valuable tidbits of information from refresher courses. It’s a great idea to go take a quick advanced rider refresher course once every 5-6 years. This will keep you updated on the latest safety trends and any issues involving changes to highway laws or state rules of the road. Plus, it gives you a safe and controlled environment to practice if you get a new and unfamiliar bike.
#5 Carry Uninsured Motorist Insurance
Yes, it’s a bit more expensive, but Florida has a lot of people on the road who do not carry auto insurance, despite the law. If someone hits you and they are uninsured, you could end up stuck with little to no money to pay for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Since motorcyclists are more likely to be seriously hurt in a crash, you owe it to yourself to carry optional uninsured motorist coverage.
Talk to an Attorney After an Accident
If you or a loved one is in a motorcycle crash, give Roman & Roman, P.A. a call today to speak with a skilled Tampa motorcycle accident attorney about your injuries. The call is free, and we take no fee unless we can help you recover compensation.
We have four area offices in Clearwater, Tampa & Hudson, Florida.
Resource:
msf-usa.org/downloads/group_ride.pdf
