10 Tips To Avoid Road Accidents – A Guide For Every Road User

There are many crashes every year, most of which involve motorbikes. Of all the fatal accidents, motorcycle accidents are among the most gruesome. They make up about 17 percent of the yearly fatality count from road accidents statewide. This is despite bikes being only 3 percent of registered vehicles in AZ. Sadly, many of these accidents are avoidable by taking simple precautions. 

One of the reasons motorcyclists suffer too many fatalities is improper passing. They enjoy weaving between lanes to bypass congestion. Many cities will ignore motorcyclists doing this until they violate other road laws, like speed limits or running red lights. But is lane splitting legal in AZ? Absolutely not. If you are a motorcyclist in AZ, you should know that improper passing charges await you if you are caught trying to split lanes or filter through them. Some precincts in the state might overlook your lane maneuvers, though.

Bearing this in mind, education is a great way to prevent accidents from happening more often. That is the essence of this guide, which highlights 10 practical tips to avoid road accidents.

Obey Posted Speed Limits And Adjust For Conditions

Whether you ride a bike or drive a car, speed limits are to be followed. Most of the tickets people get are for speed limit violations, which can be a silly thing to have on your record. Cities regularly adjust speed limits to suit different weather conditions. Always follow all speed limits and set your limits by matching your speed to conditions, like driving on wet pavement or dusty roads.

Keep Your Vehicle in Top Condition

Before you hit the road, check your:

• Tires: Check tread depth and the air inside. Pump air into it or change the tires if need be.
• Brakes: Listen for squeaks and test their responsiveness.
• Lights & Signals: Ensure that all your lights and signals work.
• Fluids: Top up your oil, coolant, and brake fluid.

Make regular vehicle checkups a habit.

Maintain a Safe Following Distance

Whether you’re riding your bike or driving a car, once you find yourself in traffic, maintain a safe following distance. Don’t be too eager to move forward, or you could end up colliding with the rear end of the vehicle in front of you. And if you happen to be on your bike, you could be sent flying into a fatality. A safe following distance can allow you, a biker, to react properly.

Use Clear Signaling And Stay Predictable

The usage of turn signals is a law in many states, especially in AZ. If you’re a motorcyclist, supplement your signal with a hand signal to increase visibility. You’ll reduce surprises on the road and have the upper hand in the case of any legal issues.

Eliminate Distractions

Wanting to sneak a peek at a text, especially if it’s one you’ve been expecting, is tempting. But there’s a reason hands-free devices exist. People who do this while driving or riding always get hurt or hurt others. Arizona law bans texting while driving and is even tougher on motorcyclists, who need even more focus due to the fragility of their vehicles. Even reading a billboard can land you in the hospital or in trouble with the law. Always keep your focus on the road.

Stay Sober—Impaired Driving Laws Apply to Everyone

Don’t drink and drive. Don’t take substances that can impair your cognitive functions and drive, either. If you’re a drinker, police in Arizona will charge you with a DUI if your blood alcohol concentration is equal to or higher than 0.08. If you intend to use substances that can impair your cognitive functions, call a cab.

Adjust For Weather And Road Surface

Speed limits are set for different kinds of weather. Always adjust your driving or your riding for these conditions. Don’t brake hard, know when to brace the handlebars, and slow down at bends. If you are a motorcyclist, make the weather app your best friend, because no matter how safe a rider you are, you’re in more danger than those in cars when the rains begin or the wind stirs.

Make Yourself Visible

If you are riding a bike or a motorcycle, wear visible clothes. Jet-black seems to be the universally accepted color for bikers, but always add a touch of visible color to your jackets, helmets, boots, and anything else. Most importantly, stay in your lane. Don’t forget to use your hands to signal when needed.

Practice Defensive Driving Techniques

Defensive driving means driving like nobody sees you. This means that you do all you can to stay visible, signal properly and even loudly, and map out exit routes in case of traffic buildups. Always anticipate potential risks before getting in your car or on your motorcycle.

Know When to Seek Professional Help After A Crash

You can follow every tip in this guide and even come up with more just to be safe whenever you go out with your vehicle. Then, along comes another drunk. And then something untoward happens, and all your safety precautions look useless.

They’re not. The accident is not your fault in this case, and you have a case with which you can claim compensation. But you need to make it foolproof. Build your case by:

• Documenting the scene by taking photos and recordings
• Looking for witnesses and others involved in the accident and exchanging information.
• Notifying your lawyer and insurance provider immediately;
• And calling for medical help, because that small headache may be a brain trauma issue.

Remember, road safety starts with making smart choices. These tips teach you how to respect the road, your vehicle, other vehicle owners, and the law so that you’re insulated from issues that may arise as a result of others’ indiscretions.