Any type of accident, including a rear-end collision, could be catastrophic while riding a motorcycle. Getting rear-ended on a motorcycle can eject you from the bike or force you into the car in front of you. While you cannot control the actions of motor vehicle drivers around you, there are things you can do to reduce the risk of getting rear-ended while riding in Las Vegas.
Keep a Proper Lookout
You should always be vigilant and ride defensively while on a motorcycle in Las Vegas. This means paying attention to surrounding traffic, avoiding distractions and being prepared to react to a dangerous driver at any given moment. Assume that the drivers around you will break traffic laws and put you in danger. Use your rearview mirrors to keep an eye on vehicles behind you, especially when slowing down or stopping. If a car doesn’t appear to be stopping in time, be ready to move your motorcycle forward or to the side to avoid a collision. Improve your safety by being prepared to make evasive maneuvers whenever necessary.
Know When to Change Lanes
All motor vehicle drivers in Nevada have a legal responsibility under Nevada Revised Statutes § 484B.127 to maintain a safe following distance between their cars and other vehicles according to road and traffic conditions. Unfortunately, many drivers tailgate, or drive behind others too closely. If a driver is following your motorcycle too closely, change lanes and let them pass.
Enhance Your Visibility
Avoid rear-end collisions caused by a driver being unable to see your motorcycle by enhancing your visibility as much as possible. Wear bright colors and reflective gear. Use your headlight, even during the day, and position your motorcycle in the center of the lane, where drivers can easily spot you. Avoid riding in their blind spots.
Check Your Lights
Rear-end collisions at night can occur due to a lack of taillights or brake lights on the motorcycle. Make yourself more visible in low-light conditions by making sure you have at least one brake light and one taillight that are both visible from 500 feet behind you. Consider using brighter lights to enhance your safety.
Avoid Abrupt Braking
Motor vehicle drivers in Las Vegas are often guilty of distracted driving and inattention, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions. You can help prevent accidents caused by distraction by avoiding abruptly hitting your brakes as much as possible. Leave ample following distance to give yourself time to come to a gradual stop.
Leave Space When Stopping
When bringing your motorcycle to a stop, leave ample space between your bike and the car in front of you to give you room to move forward, if necessary. When you come to a stop, move your motorcycle to the side of the lane rather than remaining in the center. This can allow you to veer off to the side if the driver behind you is approaching too quickly and you need an escape route.
Avoid Rear-Ending Others
Preventing motorcycle rear-end accidents also involves avoiding crashing into the back of other vehicles. Prevent these accidents by always paying attention to the road, maintaining a safe following distance (including increasing your distance in bad weather) and looking far down the road for brake lights. If you get injured in a rear-end accident while on your motorcycle in Las Vegas, don’t hesitate to contact a Las Vegas motorcycle accident attorney for free legal advice and assistance.