Riding a motorcycle can be an exciting way to get around, but it comes with risks, especially in heavy traffic. Washington state has some of the worst traffic congestion in the country, which means motorcyclists need to take extra precautions. Follow these motorcycle safety tips to stay safe while navigating heavy traffic in Washington.
Be Visible
One of the biggest dangers motorcyclists face is not being seen by other drivers. Here are some tips to make yourself more visible:
- Wear brightly colored gear. Opt for jackets, helmets and gloves in neon yellow, orange or green. Reflective strips can also help you stand out.
- Use your high beams during the day. Flipping on your high beams increases your visibility.
- Avoid drivers’ blind spots. Be aware of blind spots around cars, trucks and SUVs and avoid lingering there.
- Signal early and often. Use your turn signals well in advance so drivers are aware of your next move.
- Use horns and lights. Don’t be shy about using your horn and flashing your lights to get a distracted driver’s attention.
- Consider auxiliary lights. Add extra lighting to your motorcycle, such as LED auxiliary lights or underglow kits. These attract more attention.
- Wear reflective decals. Put reflective decals and designs on your helmet and other gear. Reflective colors stand out at night.
Ride Defensively
Riding defensively is crucial for navigating heavy traffic safely. You need to be alert and anticipate potential hazards.
- Be aware of surroundings. Constantly scan the road and check your mirrors to know what’s happening around you.
- Practice swerving. Know how to quickly and safely swerve your motorcycle to avoid hazards. Find an empty lot and practice your swerving skills.
- Allow space between vehicles. Leave plenty of buffer room between you and the vehicles ahead, behind and beside you. This gives you space to react.
- Avoid weaving. Don’t dart between lanes trying to get ahead. Stay in one lane as much as possible.
- Watch for opening car doors. Keep an eye out for parked cars where drivers may open their door and swerve into your path.
- Cover your brakes. Keep fingers on the brake levers so you can stop suddenly if needed. Don’t drag the brakes, just keep them covered.
- Scan farther ahead. Look well beyond the vehicle directly in front of you so you can identify hazards early.
Handle Intersections Carefully
Intersections are one of the most dangerous places for motorcyclists. Use these tips for safely navigating intersections:
- Slow down and cover the clutch and brakes. When approaching an intersection, decelerate and be ready to stop suddenly.
- Watch for left turners. Look for drivers in the oncoming lane who may make a left turn in front of you.
- Assume you’re invisible. Ride as if other drivers don’t see you and won’t yield. Be prepared to stop or swerve.
- Watch for red light runners. Keep an eye on the traffic signal and look for drivers who try to beat the red light.
- Clear intersections before others. At a stoplight, allow cars ahead of you to go first. This gives you more room to react to hazards.
- Don’t linger in intersections. Get through the intersection promptly. The longer you stay, the higher the chances another driver will hit you.
Choose Routes Carefully
Selecting the right routes can help you avoid the heaviest traffic. Consider these tips:
- Avoid highways during rush hour. Opt for side streets and back roads if possible.
- Know choke points. Be aware of chronically congested roads and intersections to avoid during peak times.
- Plan ahead. Study maps and traffic apps to identify less congested routes to common destinations.
- Consider lane positioning. Use the left portion of lanes to see ahead and be visible. Avoid the right side where cars merge.
- Know escape routes. Identify alternative routes you can duck into to avoid sudden traffic jams.
- Adjust routes for events. Check for concerts, games, festivals and other events that add traffic and clog streets.
Stay Focused
Riding in heavy traffic requires your full attention. Avoid these hazardous distractions:
- No mobile devices. Never use your phone, text, email or use apps while riding. Pull over in a safe place if you need to use your device.
- Limit conversations. Don’t get embroiled in lengthy discussions with passengers that divert your attention.
- Adjust mirrors before riding. Set your mirrors so you have good visibility before you start riding. Don’t try to adjust them while in traffic.
- Secure loose items. Make sure bags and cargo are securely fastened so they don’t shift and become a distraction.
- Focus on riding only. Avoid becoming distracted by billboards, events along the side of the road or other intriguing sights.
- Pull over if you feel overwhelmed. If you feel anxious or overloaded, get off the road and take a break until you can focus again.
Take Breaks
Riding in heavy traffic can be mentally exhausting as well as physically demanding. Take regular breaks to stay sharp:
- Stop every 2 hours. Take a 10-15 minute rest stop every 2 hours or 100 miles. Stretch your muscles and give your mind a break.
- Stay hydrated. Drink enough water and avoid dehydration, which can impair concentration.
- Avoid riding when tired. If you’re drowsy or fatigued, stop and take a nap or use public transportation instead of riding.
- Identify rest areas. Know where designated rest areas are along your route so you can safely pull over and take a break.
- Do concentration exercises. During longer rides, do mental exercises like counting backwards to keep focused.
By following these motorcycle safety tips, you can ride more confidently in the heavy traffic conditions found across Washington state. Focus on visibility, defensive riding, route planning and staying alert. Don’t become a distracted driver. Riding safely amid congestion takes skill and practice.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident that wasn’t your fault, contact the experienced attorneys at Monge & Associates for a free consultation. With 32 offices in 19 states, including Washington, Georgia, and Colorado, our attorneys can help accident victims get the compensation they deserve. Call us today at (888) 477-0597.