A significant number of Virginia motorcycle accidents are caused by new riders, rusty riders, and young riders. Just as with car accidents and truck accidents, inexperienced vehicle operators are more likely than well-seasoned drivers to make mistakes, cause accidents, and get injured. Of course, there is no way to gain motorcycle experience without getting on a bike and riding on pavement. How, then, can new riders safely gain experience while minimizing their chances of being injured or killed in a wreck?
• Take a motorcycle training course. There are a number of opportunities and schools across Virginia that offer safety courses and training courses for new motorcycle riders. This is possibly the best way to gain experience in a controlled environment, even if it costs money.
• Get on the road during “off” hours. You do not want to learn the rules of the road during rush hour or on a crowded highway. When first learning to ride, pick times when you can have the road to yourself and concentrate on operating your vehicle, rather than the vehicles around you.
• Slowly expose yourself to new challenges. Make it a point to ride in the rain, ride in the dark, ride in cold weather, and ride in traffic. Just be sure to carefully choose your environment for these learning experiences and to take your self-training safely and seriously.
• Know your limits. Perhaps the best thing to do is keep in mind that you are a new rider who is not knowledgeable and not invincible. If you avoid speeding and reckless driving, and if you follow the rules of the road, you are already improving your chances of avoiding an accident. If you also realize that you are inexperienced, you will further improve your chances.
If you have been injured in a Virginia motorcycle accident that you believe was caused by an inexperienced driver, you may be owed compensation. To find out more through a free case evaluation, call our Charlottesville motorcycle accident attorneys today at 434-985-6000.
