The Seattle Times recently reported about a multiple-bike motorcycle accident that involved four riders and two serious injuries. The Washington State motorcycle accident occurred during a group ride when one of the bikers lost control, causing multiple collisions. While group motorcycle rides can be an extremely rewarding and fun way to see the country spending time with friends on your bike, they can also be dangerous if they aren’t handled correctly. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at group motorcycle safety tips to help you prevent Washington motorcycle accidents.
Be Prepared
- Have a meeting before you ride. Make sure everyone is on the same page before you leave, including your route, any planned breaks, your formation, and your hand signals.
- Do a quick inspect. Take a moment during your group meeting to inspect your bike, or to inspect the bike of a friend. Make sure everything is in good running order to avoid mechanical issues mid-ride.
- Ride ready. Make sure you have everything you need for a safe trip. Check your gas tank, and be sure to pack things like a charged cell phone (in case of an accident or breakdown), a small repair kit, and some food and water.
- Know your route. Choose a route that is fun and interesting as well as one that is safe for group riding. You may wish to avoid areas of congestion or road construction. Review the route during your group meeting.
- Know the leader and followers. Also during the meeting, choose a group leader as well as a sweep–the person bringing up the back. Both the leader and the sweep should be smart, experienced riders. Place newer riders directly behind the leader.
Be Wise
- Stagger. It’s legal for two motorcycles to ride abreast of each other in Washington State, but it’s safer to slightly stagger everyone.
- Don’t show off. It’s never safe to show off on your motorcycle, but that goes doubly for group rides. Even though you might want to impress your pals, showing off could lead to an accident that involves your friends.
- Say no to speeding. Speeding is always bad, dangerous, and illegal, but it can be especially hazardous if your group of motorcycles is speeding. A crash caused by speed can not only be deadly, but it can cause the riders behind you to crash as well.
- Use hand signals. Hand signals that warn those behind you about hazards or turns are a great way to keep everyone in the group safe. Review all hand signals at the group meeting before you take off.
- Take breaks. Riding a motorcycle can be tiring, especially in adverse weather conditions or on twisting scenic roads. Take frequent breaks, both to get some rest from the road and to review the route and ride.
- Never drink and ride. Being social with your motorcycle friends is fun, but even one or two drinks can affect your reaction times and coordination. Time your drink for after your ride is over.
- Keep your group size down. Studies have found that riding in groups of 10 or less is the safest and most comfortable number for riders.
Speak With an Attorney in Federal Way about Washington Motorcycle Accidents
Even when you follow all of the safety rules, Washington motorcycle accidents can still happen, whether it’s a collision with another bike, or whether a different type of vehicle is involved. If you or a loved one have been involved in a motorcycle accident, it’s vital to understand how the accident was caused and whether you may deserve compensation. The Ye Law Firm offers free, confidential case reviews to the victims of motorcycle accidents in and around Seattle. To learn more, or to schedule your appointment, contact us or fill out our short online contact form.