Riding a motorcycle is a thrilling yet dangerous activity. According to the Insurance Information Institute, 56 out of every 100,000 registered motorcycles in the United States were in fatal accidents in 2013. That ratio is substantially higher than the proportion of registered passenger cars in deadly crashes (9 in 100,000).
Although you cannot control the actions of other drivers, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of crashing. Perhaps the most important of these is to conduct a pre-ride inspection, which should cover the:
- Tires and wheels;
- Lights and horn;
- Cables;
- Fuel and oil;
- Chassis;
- And kickstand.
Unfortunately, even the most responsible motorcyclists are not immune to collisions. If you were injured by a negligent motorist in Alabama, contact Morris Bart & Associates, LLC. A Mobile accident attorney can help you pursue compensation for health-care expenses, time off work and other damages.
Here are six parts to check before you hit the road:
Tires and Wheels
Your tires are the only points of contact you have with the road, so your safety relies on their performance. Make sure their pressure is correct and they have adequate tread.
Also, Motorbike Writer recommends that you look for any dents or cracks on the rims. Make sure your spokes are in good condition, as well.
For a free legal consultation, call 800-537-8185
Lights and Horn
Check that your lights are working correctly. Inspect the low- and high-beam headlights, brake light and turn signals. Sound your horn to make sure it is functioning.
Cables
Check any exposed cables for damage or wear and tear. Pay particular attention to your clutch and throttle cables.
Make sure all levers and cables operate smoothly and do not stick. Your brakes should feel firm and lock the tires when you activate them while trying to push the bike forward.
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Fuel and Oil
Check your gas level before you leave. Many motorcycles do not have fuel gauges, and running out of gas on a busy highway is never safe.
Also, running out of oil can cause serious damage to your bike. Check the ground beneath your motorcycle for any puddles from oil or fuel leaks.
Chassis
Check and adjust your chassis to the correct level before every ride. It is easy to forget changes you might have made to accommodate a passenger.
Sit on the bike and make sure everything rocks smoothly and slowly. If the bike moves more than usual, take it to a mechanic to check your suspension.
Kickstand
A faulty kickstand can get in the way while riding, and it can make parking your bike impossible. Check that your kickstand springs back into place and is out of the way when you depart.
If you were injured in a motorcycle crash in Alabama due to another driver’s negligence, contact a Mobile injury lawyer from Morris Bart & Associates, LLC. Call 800-537-8185 to schedule a free consultation.
Questions?Call 800-537-8185
to find a Morris Bart office near you.
