Don't let street cred cause you a motorcycle accident
Bikers have always had a reputation for being cool and rebellious outsiders. This has been enshrined in popular culture through films like Easy Rider and Rebel Without a Cause. Such a reputation is fine so long as it does not contribute to the kind of culture of disregard that can lead to motorcycle accidents.
However, for some riders, this does seem to be the case. A quick survey of motorcycling internet blogs reveals that an alarming number of riders believe "stealth riding" to be the safest way of travelling about on two wheels.
What is stealth riding?
Advocates of "stealth riding" argue that keeping a low profile when on the road is the best way of avoiding a motorcycle accident. This group of riders would tell you that in order to minimise your risk of motorcycling accident injuries, you should do away with all high-visibility clothing and restrict your use of headlamps.
Unfortunately, despite it flying in the face of a strong body of evidence showing the contrary, this myth continues to be propagated by its ultra-cool proponents.
Why riders are attracted to the idea
The answer is simple: because they feel it promotes a cool image.
A significant minority of riders believe that high-visibility clothing, brightly coloured bikes and illuminated headlamps detract from their Easy Rider street cred.
Dark clothing and darkly coloured bikes have long been associated with images of the rebel on the open road and those who take the safety-first option simply don't get respect from some of their peers.
However, it is possible to reach a compromise between darkly coloured clothing and high visibility safety gear.
Bill Aggie, from US motorcycling gear seller Streetglo, explains, "Conspicuity is anything you can do to make sure you are seen both in day and night riding. Personally, I like dark clothing when riding (which is not an endorsed idea) as do many riders.
"However, I compensate for the dark clothing with bright reflective decals and graphics on my bike and helmet, I wear rider gloves with bright reflective stripes sewn in, and I ride with my headlamp and running lights always."
Making a no win, no fee motorcycle accident claim
Motorcycling accident injuries can be very severe and have a major impact on a person's life. Riders who are involved in collisions with cars invariably come off much worse.
If you have suffered personal injuries in a motorcycling accident that was not your fault, it is worth investigating whether you are entitled to claim compensation.
YouClaim are the personal injury claim experts and over the years have helped hundreds of people receive the motorbike accident compensation they deserve.
Our no win, no fee solicitors have a reputation for working sensitively and thoroughly to secure their clients' damages in the quickest possible time.
Claiming with us is a no risk business. Win or lose, we guarantee that you will not have to pay anyone a single penny in costs or fees.
Furthermore, we never take a cut of your damages award, ensuring you 100% compensation.
If you would like to discuss your claim with someone today, simply call 0800 10 757 95.
Alternatively, you may wish to log into e-chat, fill out an online claim form or request a call back for a time when it is convenient for you to speak.
