Riding your motorcycle through the beautiful New Mexico landscapes is a great way to explore everything that the state has to offer. But motorcycle riding can be dangerous, especially during inclement weather. In 2020, the United States had 5,579 motorcycle-related fatalities. Unfortunately, with motorcycle accident cases, many carry negative biases toward riders. Therefore, it is imperative to take as many safety measures as possible to prevent injury so others around you always know you are there.
If you have sustained injuries in a motorcycle accident due to another party’s negligence, you have the right to pursue legal action and financial compensation. Our knowledgeable and Spanish-speaking lawyers at Dominguez Law may be able to support you every step of the way so you can focus on your recovery.
8 Ways to Stay Safe While Riding Your Motorcycle in New Mexico
When driving on New Mexico roads, everyone must exercise a duty of care to those around them. Motorcyclists can do this by taking the following safety measures:
Check the Weather
While it may look sunny and clear outside when you first start riding, you do not want any rain, wind, or extreme heat. Therefore, you should always check the weather forecast before going for a ride to better understand road conditions and potential hazards. If inclement weather is on its way or it is too hot, it may be a better idea to choose a different day to ride.
Wear the Proper Gear
According to New Mexico law, all motorcyclists under 18 must wear a United States Department of Transportation-approved helmet. Even if you are over 18, you should still wear a helmet and other gear to protect yourself from the elements and potential debris. We encourage you to wear the following protective gear when riding:
- Goggles
- Leather jacket and pants
- Over-ankle boots
- Non-slip gloves
You can also wear multiple layers of clothing to adjust to the weather throughout the day.
Inspect Your Bike Before You Ride
Instead of getting stuck on the side of the road with a damaged motorcycle, you should inspect the following parts before you leave:
- Headlights
- Taillights
- Brakes
- Turn signals
- Horn
- Fuel
- Mirrors
- Tire pressure
- Handlebars
Checking these elements beforehand allows you to stay as safe as possible and reduce your risks of potentially breaking down or getting stuck somewhere.
Follow Traffic Laws
When driving your motorcycle, you should always follow traffic signals, use your blinkers, and follow the speed limit. Many motorcycle accidents occur due to excessive speed, so maintaining the speed limit will also help prevent any accidents. If you do get into an accident while following all traffic laws, you also have a better case for proving another party’s fault and getting the compensation you deserve.
Stay Visible
As a motorcyclist, those who are driving cars or other vehicles may not always see you, so you should take action to ensure other drivers can always spot you. This includes working to avoid blind spots, always driving with your lights on, wearing reflective clothing, and using turn and hand signals. Taking all of these precautions ensures you are doing your part in caring for yourself and others.
Keep a Safe Distance
We understand it can be frustrating to drive behind a slower driver, but tailgating is dangerous and poses risks of accidents or injuries. If the driver in front of you suddenly stops and you are following too closely, you will not have enough room to stop. Therefore, you should always keep a safe distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you.
Take a Riding Course
Practice always makes for a better driver, so taking an advanced motorcycle riding course may be a good idea to improve your skills. In these courses, you can learn how to make sharper turns, maneuver your way out of collisions, and learn new braking techniques.
Carry a First-Aid Kit
Sometimes, no matter how many safety precautions you take, you still get in an accident and sustain injuries. In these cases, having a first-aid kit is helpful. You can make your own and fill it with supplies you may need, like band-aids, gauze, and disinfecting wipes, or you can purchase one.
Reach Out to an Experienced New Mexico Motorcycle Accident Lawyer at Dominguez Law
New Mexico is a great place to take a motorcycle ride, but riders face more significant dangers as they have fewer protections. Riders need to take several measures to ensure their safety, but no matter how many precautions you take, you may still find yourself in a motorcycle accident.
If this is the case for you, one of the best steps to improve your chances of compensation is to contact our compassionate and aggressive lawyers at Dominguez Law. Our years of experience have given us the skills and strategies to provide New Mexico victims with innovative legal services while working to achieve a fair settlement. Call our reliable team at (505) 850-5854 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation.
