South Carolina motorcycle riders know the open road can be both exciting and unpredictable. Staying alert and following simple safety habits can make each ride safer. If you’re injured in a wreck, our Greenville motorcycle accident lawyer is here to help you and your family move forward.
Tips to prevent motorcycle accidents
Good rides start with simple habits. The next time you ride, keep these motorcycle safety tips in mind.
Follow South Carolina traffic laws
According to South Carolina Code Section 56-5-3640, lane splitting is not allowed in South Carolina. Don’t ride between lanes or pass a car in the same lane. Two motorcycles may ride side by side in one lane.
Helmets and eye gear are mandatory for riders and passengers under 21. A helmet must have a chin or neck strap and be reflective on both sides. Riders under 21 must also wear goggles or a face shield, unless the bike has an approved windscreen.
See and be seen on the open road
Most vehicle-motorcycle crashes start with poor visibility. Wear a bright vest or jacket, add reflective tape to your gear, and keep your headlight on in daylight. Pick a lane position that shows you in the mirrors and check blind spots before every move.
Keep a safe speed and space
Hold a steady pace and follow posted speed limits. Build a big safety buffer and leave extra room behind large trucks and at night. If someone tailgates, ease off and let them pass when it is safe.
Prepare your bike before every ride
Do a quick pre-ride motorcycle safety check. Start by looking at tire pressure and tread while the tires are cold. Squeeze both brakes, test lights and signals, and look for leaks or loose fasteners.
Adjust to bad weather and poor roads
Slow down on wet roads, gravel, leaves, or steel plates. Use smooth throttle and brake input. Add distance before turns and stops. If a storm moves in, stop in a safe place and wait it out.
Build skill with steady training
Training builds better habits. South Carolina’s Rider Education Program offers Basic, Intermediate, and Experienced courses. Many courses provide a DMV skills-test waiver when you pass.
Choose protective gear every time
Wear a full-face helmet, gloves, a sturdy jacket, long pants, and over-the-ankle boots. Armor at the shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees helps. Riders face a higher risk on a bike than in a car, so head protection matters on every trip. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, motorcyclists had a fatality rate almost 28 times that of passenger car occupants per vehicle miles traveled in 2023.
Share the road with care
Signal early and clearly. Don’t stay next to trucks on I-85 or other busy Greenville routes. Tractor-trailers create strong air pressure that can shake your bike and limit your escape options. Move past them quickly and give extra room before merging back.
Pass with purpose, then move back into a lane with space. At red lights, keep the bike in gear, watch your mirrors, and point your front wheel toward an escape path.
[H3] Ride sober and rested
Alcohol, drugs, and fatigue slow your mind and your hands. If you feel tired, take a short break, drink water, and stretch.
South Carolina road risks and trip planning
Smart prep helps on both rural and urban roads. Start with these easy steps.
- Deer on rural routes: Watch for deer at dawn and dusk near fields and woods. Slow down and keep two fingers on the brake.
- Work zones and loose gravel: Work areas bring gravel, debris, steel plates, and uneven lanes. Ride slowly and keep the bike straight over rough patches.
- Summer storms and slick spots: Storms can develop quickly. Check the forecast before you head out. If you can’t avoid bad weather, avoid areas susceptible to flash floods.
- Upstate mountain curves: The hills bring tight turns and changing grades. Look through the turn and keep a smooth line; ride single file in groups.
- Event traffic: Plan around game days, concerts, festivals, and other events. Heavy traffic makes blind spots worse, so leave room and choose routes with fewer merges.
Trusted lawyers for Greenville and Easley motorcycle riders
If you’ve been injured in a motorcycle crash, getting honest legal guidance can make a difference. Smith Jordan Law helps riders across Greenville, Easley, and nearby South Carolina communities understand their options and move forward. Call (864) 343-2222 or contact us online for a free consultation with a lawyer who will take the time to listen and guide you through the next steps.