California Motorcycle Accident Prevention: 4 Ways to Make Your Bike More Visible

Did you know one of the most common causes of motorcycle accidents in California is that another driver on the road simply didn’t see the motorcycle? Unfortunately, because motorcycles are significantly smaller than most other vehicles on the road, car and truck drivers often turn in front of them, merge into them, or rear-end them.

One of the best ways to prevent these types of motorcycle accidents and injuries is to make your motorcycle as visible to others as possible. Here are a few tips:

• Pick a brightly colored paint. In this case, the flashier your bike, the safer your bike. Stay away from dull finishes and dark colors like blue and black. Instead, pick red, yellow, or green in bright shades. When it comes to bike safety, color should be more about safety than style.
• Be sure all of your lights are in working order—and use them. One of the simplest steps a motorcycle rider can take to increase his or her visibility is to keep the bike’s headlight on at all times. Be sure all of the bike’s other lights work, too, and that you always use your turn signals.
• Invest in some reflectors. You can place reflective paint and materials on your bike, your protective clothing, and your helmet. Every little bit helps. This step will make you considerably more visible in low-light situations and at night.
• Stop at an angle. Motorcycles are very narrow, which makes them easier to miss on the roads. One way to increase your visible width is to stop at a slight angle at intersections so that other cars are more likely to be aware of your presence. This is an effective way of decreasing the possibility of left-turn collisions, a leading type of motorcycle accidents.

While some California motorcycle accidents are preventable and can be avoided, others are caused by someone else’s negligence. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident that left you with serious injuries, it is important to understand who was at fault.

Speak with an Orange County motorcycle accident lawyer to learn more about your crash and what you can do to secure compensation. To schedule an appointment, call us today at (949) 851-0222.