5 Defensive Driving Tips All Motorcyclists Should Know

Motorcycle enthusiasts in Oklahoma have access to some of the most iconic roads and scenic highways in the United States. From the state’s portion of historic Route 66 to the Lake Stanley Draper Loop, there are many opportunities to ride and enjoy the open road.

However, riding can also be dangerous. You don’t have the same protection from impacts as you would in a car, an SUV, or a truck. Sharing the road with inconsiderate or reckless drivers can put your life at risk.

Contact an Oklahoma City motorcycle accident attorney if you were injured while riding your motorcycle by another driver.

Keep yourself and others safe on the road with these five defensive driving tips.

1. Wear Protective, High-Visibility Equipment

All the Gear, All the Time: Protective gear not only cushions impact and reduces your injury risk, it can also make you more visible to other drivers, reducing the chance of an accident.

Before heading out on a ride in Oklahoma, don’t leave home without the following:

• Riding Outfit and Protectors: Quality riding equipment should include a jacket, pants, gloves, and boots made of abrasion-resistant leather or Kevlar.

• Motorcycle Body Armor: Consider wearing body armor for motorcycle riders, such as chest and back protectors, hip guards, and shin guards. They provide additional injury protection to your most vulnerable body parts.

• DOT-Approved Helmet: Although Oklahoma law does not require motorcycle riders aged 18 and over to wear a helmet, you should wear one. Data shows they reduce the risk of head injury by 69%, rider fatalities by 37%, and passenger fatalities by 41%.

• High-Visibility Gear: Wear a brightly colored helmet and a vest or jacket with high-visibility strips. Bright colors make you more visible against the daytime scenery, while high-visibility strips reflect headlights and streetlights at night.

2. Watch Your Surroundings

Whether cruising down open highways or navigating the streets of Oklahoma City, it’s essential to develop habits that keep you alert and aware of your surroundings.

• Keep Your Eyes Moving. Look ahead and scan side-to-side, staying alert to other vehicles, road hazards, shifting traffic patterns, and changes in your surroundings.

• Check Your Mirrors. Glance at both mirrors to stay aware of traffic beside and behind you.

• Keep a Safe Distance: Follow recommendations from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and keep at least 3-4 seconds between yourself and the next vehicle ahead.

3. Practice Your Riding Skills

Skip the road trip until you’re fully confident in your riding abilities. Take an advanced rider course to sharpen your skills and confidence. It’s a safe, hands-on way to practice defensive riding and real-world control.

Build your skills by riding on city streets, rural roads, and highways. You need to feel confident wherever you go. Hitting the busy roads of Oklahoma City without experience can be risky, especially around congested intersections.

Injured in a motorcycle accident in Oklahoma? Even the most skilled riders can’t control what other drivers do. If you’ve been hurt in a crash, our Oklahoma City motorcycle accident attorneys can help you fight for the maximum compensation you deserve. Contact us for a free consultation.

4. Anticipate Driver Behaviors

Even if you take the best precautions, don’t assume other drivers will always see you or follow traffic laws. Follow these tips to anticipate potential mistakes or accident risks:

• Watch Vehicle Movements. Don’t depend solely on turn signals. Watch for signs of movement, like brake lights, turning wheels, or shifts in lane position, to anticipate what other drivers might do next.

• Observe Drivers Closely. If drivers seem distracted, uncertain, or unpredictable, maintain a safe distance and stay alert; they could brake or turn without warning.

• Read the Environment. Watch for crosswalks, intersections, driveways, and signs of traffic build-up ahead. These areas often mean heavier traffic and a greater chance of drivers unexpectedly stopping, turning, or changing direction.

5. Stay Out of Blind Spots

Motorcycles are some of the smallest vehicles on the road and can quickly vanish into a car or truck’s blind spots. Stay safer by learning how to spot and avoid these areas with the following tips:

• Learn Bling Spots’ Locations. Riding directly alongside another vehicle can put you inside the driver’s blind spot. The larger the vehicle, the wider the area.

• Move Quickly. If you need to pass, do it as quickly as speed limits allow and don’t linger. The more time you spend in a blind spot, the higher the risk of an accident.

• Position Yourself for Visibility. If traffic allows, ride closer to the left half of your lane. You’ll be more visible to oncoming traffic, and vehicles ahead will be able to see you in their rear-view mirror.

Let an Oklahoma Motorcycle Accident Lawyer Fight for You

Adopting defensive riding habits helps you become a more skilled and responsible rider, contributing to making Oklahoma roads safer for everyone.

If another driver injured you in a motorcycle crash, you need a law firm that understands the unfair treatment riders in Oklahoma often experience. The Oklahoma City motorcycle accident attorneys at Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers have the skills and resources to help you hold the at-fault driver accountable.

Contact our offices to get a free case review.