Motorcycle Group Riding Can Be Both Fun and Safe
Most motorcycle owners commute back and forth to work solo; however, when the weekend comes, they may plan a group ride with their buddies. For motorcyclists, there is nothing like hitting the open road, especially with others who have a passion for the same hobby.
It does seem that there is safety in numbers, but this isn’t always the case on a motorcycle road trip. Unfortunately, things can go wrong and motorcycle accidents can happen, especially when the details of the trip aren’t planned out beforehand.
So what does it take to plan a safe group ride?
There are several things motorcyclists should do before participating in a group ride, such as:
- Plan the route out before leaving
- Talk about the rest stops, other breaking points, and gas stations along the way
- Arrange for the group to have a leader and a tail rider
- Discuss what happens when a rider gets separated from the group or breaks down
- Limit the group ride to seven riders
- Divide into two smaller groups if the group ride becomes too big
- Be prepared for accidents and emergencies by having someone carry a first-aid kit
- Brush up on hand signals in order to communicate with the other riders
On the day of the group ride, riders should come to the meeting spot with their gas tanks filled up and their bikes in good running condition, and they should also follow these group riding safety tips:
- Ride in a staggered formation — not side-by-side — on most roads.
- Ride in a single-file formation on curvy road or roads with poor visibility.
- Keep enough space between your motorcycle and the others in the group so you have enough time to react to any road hazards.
- Check your rearview mirror to make sure the rider behind you isn’t falling too far behind.
- Use hand signals to communicate with other riders in the group.
By following all of these aforementioned safety tips, motorcycle riders can reduce the risk of being in a motorcycle accident when group riding.
If you have been injured in a solo or group motorcycle crash due to someone else’s negligence, you should talk with an experienced motorcycle accident attorney about your legal rights. To get your questions answered in a free consultation and to learn more about your rights, contact the Law Offices of David Benenfeld at 866-9 HELP NOW or 866-943-5766 today.
