Motorcycle riding safety tips can help prevent accidents in San Bernardino. The things you do before and while you drive a motorcycle can keep you safe and ultimately give you more confidence on the roads. Our experienced San Bernardino motorcycle accident lawyers at LA Century Law explains what you need to know.
Top Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in San Bernardino
Leading Causes of Motorcycle Accidents in San Bernardino and California
| Primary Crash Factor | Percentage of Crashes |
| Speeding, unsafe speed | 29.1% |
| Improper turn | 21.9% |
| Right-of-way violation | 16% |
| Under the influence of alcohol/drugs | 10.1% |
| Unsafe lane change | 5.5% |
Source: 2024 SafeTREC Traffic Safety Facts: Motorcycle Safety
The top cause of motorcycle accidents in San Bernardino is speeding. Speeding is a factor in 29% of motorcycle crashes. Speeding reduces reaction time and prevents the speeding driver from fully perceiving conditions around them. It can also increase the severity of the crash impact.
In 2021, 230 motorcyclists suffered serious injury in San Bernardino County. San Bernardino County ranks second for motorcycle fatalities in California and third for motorcyclists suffering serious accident injury.
Essential Safety Gear Every Rider Should Wear
Motorcycle safety tips begin with what the rider is wearing.
Helmet
Always wear a DOT-approved helmet. It’s illegal to ride a motorcycle without a helmet in California. Plus, motorcycle helmets reduce the risk of serious head injury to riders by 69%.
Even though open-face or ¾ helmets may be DOT approved, a full-face helmet, which protects the face and chin, is best. A helmet not only protects against head injury, but it can also help keep bugs out of your face, limit wind resistance, and prevent sunburn.
Never wear a used helmet, especially a helmet that’s been in a crash.
Other gear
The rider’s arms and legs should be completely covered. Leather or heavy denim and a durable jacket can prevent burns and resist puncture wounds. A jacket should have a high collar.
Motorcycle body armor is a strong material that protects the chest and limbs and can absorb or lessen crash impact. There are various types of armor and pieces to protect various body parts. It should fit comfortably, without being overly restrictive.
Boots should be sturdy, covering the ankle.
Gloves provide grip and protect the hands. Gloves should be full-fingered and fit well. The right thickness for gloves may depend on the weather.
How To Stay Visible to Other Drivers on the Road
Motorcycle riding safety tips for staying visible on the road include the following:
- Wear bright clothing, including a reflective riding jacket.
- Make sure motorcycle lights are in good working condition.
- Use appropriate hand signals to indicate a turn.
- Think about whether other motorists are likely to see you from their vantage point.
- Leave sufficient following distance. Avoid blind spots.
- Don’t speed. When you speed, other drivers have less time to notice you.
- Ride with your headlights on. Even in bright weather, headlights can make you more visible to others.
- Add reflective tape to your helmet, jacket, and bike.
- Signal your presence by flashing lights, moving within the lane, or using arm signals.
- Communicate with other drivers, when possible; for example, at intersections.
- Assume that other drivers can’t see you. Stay aware of your surroundings.
Safe Riding Techniques for Intersections and High-Traffic Areas
High-traffic areas and intersections can be particularly dangerous for motorcycles. Approximately 27% of motorcycle accidents resulting in serious injury or death are broadside accidents, with 75% of accidents occurring in urban areas, including in intersections.
Scan your surroundings for dangers. Signal early, and drive defensively. Make sure that the intersection is clear before proceeding, even if you have the right of way.
In high-traffic areas, stay to the side of a lane to avoid riding directly behind a larger vehicle.
Although California allows lane splitting, don’t perform that in high-traffic areas. Lane splitting is safest at lower speeds and when the speed differential is under 15 miles per hour.
Weather and Road Conditions Motorcyclists Should Watch For
Motorcycle riding safety tips include being mindful of the weather and road conditions. Riders should watch out for the following:
- Precipitation and wet roads: Reducing grip, increasing stopping distance, and causing sliding
- Sunrise, sunsets, and glare: Making vehicles, people, and road conditions harder to see
- Gravel and sand on the road: Causing slippery surfaces
- Wind: Making the motorcycle unsteady or creating a tailwind or headwind
- Broken, uneven roads: Including potholes, debris, and roads in disrepair, which can cause a motorcycle to jump or cause a loss of control
- Unusual traffic conditions: Like construction zones, railroad tracks, and manhole covers, which can be especially disruptive for a motorcycle
Because motorcycles are smaller, they may be more sensitive to surface imperfections and unusual road conditions. Drivers should evaluate conditions before riding and adjust their behavior based on changing conditions.
Common Driver Behaviors That Put Motorcyclists at Risk
Too often, vehicle drivers do things that put motorcyclists at risk. You may face danger from:
- Aggressive driving from a lack of respect for motorcyclists
- Open car doors in stopped traffic
- Drunk driving, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Fast braking or sudden moves
- Cutting off motorcyclists or improper lane change
- Entering an intersection in violation of right-of-way laws
- Becoming complacent or failing to look for motorcyclists
It’s important for motorcyclists to drive defensively and watch for dangers on the road.
How Regular Motorcycle Maintenance Helps Prevent Crashes
Regular maintenance of the major components of a motorcycle can prevent an incident on the roads. Keeping the lights in working order can prevent others from not being able to see the motorcycle. Routine checks can identify small issues before a serious problem occurs.
Local Resources and Training
California Highway Patrol Motorcyclist Safety
San Bernardino Motorcycle Safety Awareness
City of San Bernardino Motorcycle Safety Enforcement
Courses for Riders in San Bernardino
Street-n-Trail Motorsport Coaching
Contact an Experienced San Bernardino Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
We hope these motorcycle riding safety tips are helpful.
If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, we invite you to contact LA Century Law. Talk to an experienced San Bernardino motorcycle accident lawyer by calling or messaging us now.
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