Safe Driving Tips for New Parents

Riding a motorcycle is fun, but it can also be risky because of the actions of others on the road. Unlike other vehicles, you don't have much protection if you crash. Additionally, riding a motorcycle can be dangerous on roads with a lot of potholes or if you're riding in unsafe weather conditions. Below are some tips for staying safe while riding.

Staying Safe on a Motorcycle in Wisconsin

Take a Safety Course: Riding a motorcycle requires good judgment and skill, and a safety course will help you achieve that. A motorcycle safety course will teach you the rules of the road and what to do in unpredictable riding situations.

Wear Appropriate Gear: The right gear will protect you from debris, road rash, and the elements. Your gear should feature a helmet, leather jacket, eye protection, leather pants, over the ankle boots, and non-slip gloves. Appropriate protective gear can significantly reduce the risk of injuries or fatalities.

Keep Your Bike Maintained: Replace the air filter, change the oil regularly, and maintain your bike's tire pressure. Inspecting your motorcycle before you hit the road is also a good idea. Check your turn signals, headlights, taillights, fuel, brakes, handlebars, and mirrors.

Stay Alert: Being aware of your surroundings and riding defensively can prevent motorcycle accidents that could be caused by dangerous driving.

Maintain a Safe Distance: Riding too closely behind another vehicle is unsafe. It is advisable to stay a few seconds away from the car or motorcycle in front of you. This allows you enough space to stop during an emergency. Additionally, you should always have an escape route in mind if you cannot stop in time.

Be Visible: One of the most significant mistakes riders make is assuming they are visible to other motorists. Most motorcycle accidents are a result of drivers not seeing the motorcycle. You can stay visible by avoiding other motorists' blind spots, driving with a headlight, and wearing reflective clothing. Using your hand and turn signals can also help ensure you are visible.

Common Motorcycle Road Hazards

Distracted or Drunk Drivers: Although it may not be easy to identify if someone is drunk driving, it is wise to be attentive to your surroundings and take appropriate measures.

Rain or Snow: The hazardous weather can create slippery and unsafe road conditions. Avoid riding while it is raining or snowing.

Tar or Debris: Since tar has a different texture from asphalt, it can compromise traction. Additionally, parts of tire treads and other debris on the road can be hazardous to motorcycles.

Contact a Milwaukee Motorcycle Accident Attorney Today

If you or your loved one has been injured in a motorcycle accident in Wisconsin, working with a Milwaukee motorcycle accident attorney is in your best interest.

At Natasha Misra Law, we are equipped to offer the guidance you need to know whether you are entitled to compensation. We will provide the representation you need to pursue compensation if you qualify. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Worrying about the safety of your newborn is totally normal. But just like everything else you will learn to do as a parent, driving with a baby on board will become second nature.

There are a number of steps you can take to ensure that your child is protected and that you keep them as safe as possible while on the road. In this blog, we will discuss a few safe driving tips that all new parents should know about.

Use the Right Car Seat

Infant safety seats come in different styles, and types and not all of them are designed to fit every car. Choosing the right seat can help you keep your baby safe and protected at all times. The right seat for your little one will be sized appropriately according to the baby's size, age, height, and weight.

The car seat should also have good ratings and be compatible with your vehicle's seats as well as the anchor systems. Ensure the seat is up to the NHTSA standards and easy to install in your car. It helps to ask for a test installation before purchasing a safety seat for your child.

Consider Your Baby's Needs When Planning for the Journey

If you're planning a long-distance trip, ensure you set up appropriate times for feeding and changing. Otherwise, you'll be caught up between tasks, which isn't a great experience when driving. You don't want your baby to become irritated or uncomfortable. Feed and change your baby before you hit the road. Also, remember to pack everything you need, including toys, to help keep your baby quiet and entertained in the car.

Don't Leave Your Little One Alone in the Car

You should never leave your baby in the vehicle alone, even when you feel it is safe to do so. Not only can leaving a child in a car result in overheating, but accidents can also still occur that put your baby at risk of physical harm. No matter the situation, be sure to take your baby with you every time you park and leave your vehicle.

Practice Defensive Driving

Having defensive driving skills as a new parent is essential. That means you're in ready mode—prepared for the unexpected, staying alert, controlled speed, and reacting calmly to other drivers. Additionally, you should try to avoid distractions at all costs, whether they're from your baby, your phone, or other road users. That way, you'll remain focused and avoid hazardous situations.

Need an Experienced Milwaukee Car Accident Attorney? Call us Today

It's your responsibility to make sure your baby is safe on the road. Ensure the baby is strapped correctly to the safety seat, well-fed, and avoid unnecessary distractions when driving. However, in case you encounter an inevitable accident, we are here to help.

Natasha Misra

My law practice is dedicated to helping people who have suffered injuries in accidents which were not their fault. Born and raised in Milwaukee, I come from a family of medical professionals. My background and experience help me understand and represent individuals injured in accidents.