Greene & Phillips: Motorcycle Safety

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - We’ve had some beautiful days, and for a lot of folks that means firing up the motorcycle and going for a ride. But before you hit the roads David Greene from our friends at Greene & Phillips is here with some tips about how to stay safe while riding.

First off, can you talk about why this topic is so important to you, personally?

I’ve personally represented dozens of motorcycle accident victims, and I know just how devastating they can be.

What precautions do you suggest for those heading out on their motorcycle?

The most important thing is to know how to properly operate the motorcycle that you plan on driving. When you’re out on the roadways, you want to be confident in the motor vehicle you’re operating. That may mean taking a motorcycle safety training class. It is also important to wear the proper safety gear, such as a helmet, boots, and thick clothing even in the summertime. Wearing brightly colored clothing is a good idea as well.

What should a motorcyclists be cautious of while on the roads?

Keep an eye out for cars suddenly changing lanes or pulling out from side streets. Also, be sure to keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. This is critical both to ensure you have enough stopping distance and so you have time to react to obstacles in the road. So many drivers are distracted by many different things, so it’s important to be overly cautious of your surroundings and how vehicles are moving around you.

Can road conditions and construction affect the safety of a ride?

Sometimes accidents are unavoidable, but taking the time to check on road conditions and road construction, as well as bad weather, could potentially be lifesaving. Before you decide to operate a motorcycle, check your local weather forecast. It’s even more difficult to see motorcyclists when the weather conditions are bad. And of course always practice save driving habits. Avoid going over the speed limit, look twice before entering an intersection, and always keep a cautious eye out for other drivers around you.

Even when you’ve taken every precaution accidents happen. What should a motorcyclist do if they are involved in a wreck?

First off, seek medical attention immediately. After being checked out by a doctor, they should contact an attorney to see what they’re entitled to for their injuries. At Greene & Phillips we have dealt with many motorcycle accident cases, and it’s important to find an attorney that can answer questions based off of experience they’ve had with similar cases.

How can someone reach you if they have questions?

They can call 300-2000, go to GreenePhillips.com, or stop by our office. You never need an appointment and you owe us nothing unless we get you money.

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