Let's face it. If you ride a motorcycle long enough you are going to come across a driver of a car that makes a stupid move because "they just didn't see you." Most riders know the rules about daytime running lights and reflective tape on your helmet. It is more important to know what can be done when that little square of reflective tape you have on your helmet just isn't enough.
As managing partner of the law firm that for the last fifty years has handled more motorcycle accidents in New York State than any other law firm, I have spoken to countless accident reconstructionists, engineers, witnesses, investigating officers, and unlucky riders. I also had a serious motorcycle accident myself where the oncoming car turned left because the driver didn't see me. In other words, like most of us, I know from conversations and first hand experience oftentimes there is not much a rider can do.
Other times you can avoid an accident by swerving or hitting the brakes. In this article I will discuss what may be life saving prevention if you are hitting your brakes, namely, knowing your tires. If your tires fail, the money you spent on that new S & S carb isn't going to do you any good.. Your best precaution towards protecting your investment in your bike, and backside as well, is to inspect your tires.
Depending on how often you ride, and the age of your tires, you should frequently inspect your tires for sidewall and tread groove cracking, cuts, punctures, ridging, cupping, or excessive or irregular wear. If you find any of these tread wear conditions, replace the tire immediately. Experts have attributed tire failure as the number one equipment failure cause of motorcycle accidents.
If you do replace your tires make sure you get a matching set of front and rear tires. They should have the same tire patterns. Don't mix a radial and a bias ply tire. The safest choice is to have the same make and model.
Get in the habit of checking your tire pressure once a week. The PSI (pounds per square inch) guide that is written directly on the tire is the maximum safe pressure. It may not be the recommended pressure for your bike. You have to check your owners manual for your right PSI.
If I know I am going to be carrying a passenger or a heavy pack, I usually put an additional 3-4 PSI in both my tires. I think it makes my bike handle better under those conditions. It is always best just to be aware of your manufacturers inflation guidelines. On a lot of stock bikes it is written on the motorcycle itself. Places to check are on the swing arm, on front fork tubes, or under the seat.
If you do have a blowout while riding, keep in mind they usually don't make a lot of noise when they start to go flat. If you suspect your front tire is losing air, it is especially dangerous because your motorcycle gets more difficult to steer. Shift your weight as far back as possible when the front tire loses air. If the rear tire goes flat you can expect the motorcycle to lurch from side to side. With rear tire failures, stay seated as you are.
Hold the hand grips tightly and concentrate on steering. Keep as straight a course as possible. Gradually apply the brake on the tire that is not flat (if your sure which one that is). Wait until the bike slows way down then edge toward the side of the road and stop in a place of safety.
Mitch Proner is the Aid to Injured Motorcyclist attorney for New York and Connecticut. He rides a 1993 Harley Davidson Heritage Softail. He can be contacted at MProner@Prolaw1.com
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