March 18, 2018
It is fun and can be more cost effective to ride a motorcycle for your commute. However, it can be more dangerous than driving a car if you do not apply all safety measures. The National Highway Traffic Administration reports that a motorcyclist is 27 times more likely to die in an accident than someone in another vehicle. Usually, the failure of a rider to operate the motorcycle safely and follow the rules of the road are considered the cause of many of these deaths. Take a look at the following five safety tips to help keep you safe on the bike.
1. Wear All the Safety Gear
Safety gear is important when riding a motorcycle. Non-slip boots, leather pants and jacket, and thick gloves are all articles of clothing designed to keep you safe if you crash your motorcycle.They can help prevent serious injuries and may even save your life. In some states it is not required, but you would be remiss to not also wear an approved helmet while operating your motorcycle.
2. Be a Defensive Rider
Assume that all drivers do not see everyone on the road at all times. Most accidents in the US involving a motorcycle are caused by the driver of a car who isn’t adhering to a motorcycle’s right of way. Usually it is unintentional–they just didn’t see the motorcycle. A motorcyclist should be extra cautious on the road and assume that car drivers are not looking out for them. Utilizing a motorcycle’s side mirrors and keeping a firm hand on the handlebars should help you look out for any hazards.
3. Don’t Ride if You Are Exhausted
You must be alert when riding your motorcycle. You must be able to pump brakes, change gears, and maintain balance in order to make it to your destination safely and if you haven’t gotten sleep, then you may be in danger. Your reaction time may be reduced due to lack of sleep and these actions require you to assess and react quickly. A good measurement for rest is every 75 to 125 miles.
4. Constantly Improve Your Riding
An experienced motorcyclist is more likely to avoid an accident, even as it happens. They know how to react to obstacles that come up abruptly with quick precision where unskilled riders may not have the knowledge or experience necessary to avoid accidents. A rider can work on developing better riding skills by attending educational motorcycle safety classes. One organization that provides these classes is the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Some skills you can learn in a course include:
- Learning about the different road safety signs.
- Proper steering and braking techniques.
- Executing emergency maneuvers to avoid accidents.
- How to position yourself to balance.
- Riding on different terrain.
5. Check for Faulty Equipment or Necessary Repairs
If your motorcycle’s engine, brakes or wiring are damaged, you could be more likely to get into an accident.
- Make sure your engine is running properly before making a trip. An engine that dies in the middle of the ride will endanger you and likely other motorists.
- Brake fluids should be checked regularly to ensure that they do not give out during an emergency stop or on a hill.
- Tires should be replaced at least seasonally to prepare for the different terrain it will be driving on, especially if they are worn.
- Signals on your motorcycle are very important. The tail and headlights, mirrors, clutch and horn should all be in working order.
Follow Traffic Regulations
Speed limits and stops signs are important traffic signals that keep everyone safe and smooth on the road. Riding at high speeds make it difficult to apply the brakes quickly if necessary and could lead to serious injury or fatality.
If you believe you have been injured in a motorcycle accident due to another party’s negligence, you should contact a motorcycle accident or personal injury lawyer such as the motorbike accident lawyer locals turn to about your options.