There’s nothing like strapping on your gear, jumping on your bike and going for a ride on the open road. The freedom you feel on two wheels is like nothing else, and it can take you to another world. Unfortunately, becoming distracted while you ride your motorcycle can lead to serious injury or even death. While the notion of letting your mind drift while you take your ride might be appealing, there’s no reason for letting motorcycling distractions take your concentration away from the task at hand.

Following are some tips to help you avoid the most common motorcycling distractions. Many of them could be classified as simple common sense, but they all bear repeating. After all, these distractions can lead to tragedy.

#1 – Cell Phone Use

We’ve all seen motorists distracted by their digital devices, and it’s no secret that the distraction can cause people to drive unsafely. As a motorcyclist, there is very little standing between you and catastrophe, so don’t let a text message or notification keep you from maintaining your safe, steady ride.

#2 – Eating, Drinking and Smoking

Let’s face it – our busy culture is addicted to multi tasking. People are always trying to get away with doing two or three things at once, even when it’s not safe to do so. When you’re on your motorcycle, it can be tempting to have a snack, a sip or a smoke, but this is ill advised. Keep your concentration where it belongs and just enjoy the ride.

#3 – Radio, GPS and Other Built-In Gadgets

Some distractions are built right in to your bike. Your radio and GPS systems are there to enhance your ride and give you peace of mind, but if you fail to operate them safely, they can be killers. Remember – just because these items are a part of your motorcycle doesn’t mean that they should take your concentration away.

#4 – Drowsiness and Fatigue

Sometimes it can be difficult to know when to call it quits for the day, especially when the riding is great. However, some of the biggest distractions only crop up when you’ve decided to push yourself too far (and for too long). When you become fatigued, you become unable to react properly. In fact, the impairment caused by drowsiness can be just as deadly as that caused by intoxication. Know when it’s time to call it a day, and stick with your plan.

#5 – Bad Drivers

We all know that automobile drivers have trouble seeing motorcyclists sometimes, and some drivers might be caught up in a world of their own distractions. Naturally, this can induce anger in motorcyclists, but it’s crucial to see the anger for what it truly is – another distraction. Bad drivers are out there, and they’re going to make you angry. That being said, you cannot let them become a distraction. Take the high road and set a great example – as someone who operates their powerful machine free from distractions.

Now strap on your gear and hit the road!

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Help When Faced With a Motorcycle Accident

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, especially if that accident is due to the careless actions of another driver, you should contact an Atlanta motorcycle accident attorney immediately. An experienced motorcycle accident attorney can review the facts of your case and determine whether you have a viable claim. If so, they can help you seek the compensation you deserve.