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How to Safely Crash a Motorcycle
You wouldn’t think you have much of a choice,
but you still have some control over the motorcycle just before a crash - you
can give some direction of left or right to avoid oncoming objects and try to
find the softest spot possible
Michael Padway
You wouldn’t expect ‘safely’ and ‘crash’ to be
paired together, but there are techniques to potentially save yourself in a
motorcycle accident.
These are what we suggest you become
comfortable with:
1.
Before
you crash, slow the motorcycle as best as possible with the brakes.
The front brakes will offer the most stopping
potential, so they should be applied progressively to reduce your speed.
You can also progressively apply the rear
brakes to reduce your velocity before the crash.
2.
Pick
your spot to go down if possible.
You wouldn’t think you have much of a choice,
but you still have some control over the motorcycle just before a crash.
You can give some direction of left or right
to avoid oncoming objects and try to find the softest spot possible.
3.
Let go
of the motorcycle once you’re down. A motorcycle can easily tumble and
crush you if you’re caught under it on the ground.
As soon as you’re down, let it go its separate
way.
4.
Tuck
your appendages and roll if you can.
Don’t reach out to brace for impact as you’re
more likely to break a bone (or multiples) trying to lessen the impact.
5.
If
you’re able to slide, slide like you’re stealing a base.
You can reach out with your arms and legs to
spread yourself wide to add drag. This will help slow you down faster.
6.
It’s
hard to think about relaxing in a time like this, but relaxing your body will
prevent injuries tendons and ligaments.
Think of a stick and a rope. A stick will
break, and a rope will not. Be a rope.
7.
When
you think you’ve stopped sliding or tumbling, count to five. Don’t stand up
immediately.
Your balance could be off and you may actually
be moving and not realize it. Counting to five will give you that extra time to
be sure you’re stopped.
After the five seconds, don’t stand up. Crawl
away from the scene to safety.
Standing up and walking away (or trying) can
make you a moving target for another motorcyclist that they didn’t expect.
Michael Padway is a motorcycle accident attorney with over 40 years
of experience in motorcycle cases. He’s been a lifelong motorcycle rider, and
fanatic for its culture, advocacy, and safety. If you need assistance with a
motorcycle accident, contact him at (800) 928-1511 or visit michaelpadway.com
for a free consultation.
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