Riding a motorcycle can be as tough as driving a car. Just because you are operating a smaller vehicle doesn’t make things any safer.
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Yet, regardless of the type of vehicle you operate, the same law applies to everyone. And you must ensure safety is your biggest priority.
To enhance your safety, comply with the law, ride cautiously, and use your common sense.
These three steps are the main ingredients to lower fatalities and motorcycle crashes in the United States.
If you are looking for ways to improve your riding skills, find below our motorcycle safety tips and enjoy the ride.
Helmets, eye protection, and face shields are vital
Wearing a helmet can definitely make a difference on your safety. Helmets, eye protection, and face shields are your best allies against severe head injuries in the event of an accident.
Did you know that not wearing a helmet increases 5 times your chances of head injury after an accident?
Before mounting your motorcycle, take your time and wear the appropriate accessories for a safer ride.
Find appropriate gear
Accidents happen all the time. And you cannot always control your safety when sharing the road with other vehicles.
For that reason, you should wear appropriate gear to reduce the amount of injuries in case of crashing or skidding.
Be mindful. Wear leather pants/jacket, boots with firm soles, and gloves that can mitigate the impact of any possible injury.
Another advice is to attach reflective tape to your clothing to allow other road users to spot you on time.
Comply with the law
Check for road signs and abide to the speed limits. When you speed excessively, your stopping time decreases to a dangerous point.
Some motorcyclists engage with racing which not only increases your chances of crashing, but also puts others at risk.
Apply defensive riding
Avoid making assumptions, especially when it regards your safety. About 2/3 of all motorcycle crashes are associated with larger vehicles blocking motorcyclists in key scenarios.
Hence, use your headlights, stay away from others’ blind spots, signal your intentions accordingly, and increase your riding distance if needed.
Polish your riding skills with formal education
If you sign up to riding education course in your area, you will be getting ample opportunities to polish your skills.
These schools offer resources to motorcyclists who aren’t confident enough to handle risky riding scenarios.
Avoid drowsy and drunk riding
Driving while under the influence of alcohol is never a choice. Not only will you be in danger but you’ll also put others at risk.
If you wish to drink at an event, consider asking for a ride or getting a cab to your destination.
The same applies to drowsy riding. Fatigue and sleep deprivation impair your ability to ride safely. Take a nap if you are feeling tired.
What should you do before mounting your motorcycle?
For maintenance and safety reasons, inspect your motorcycle to ensure your two-wheeler is proper conditions to hit the road.
If you have find problems with your vehicle, it’s in your best interest to fix it yourself or take it to a mechanic.
Here’s a list of items you should always check prior to riding:
- Tires: Did you check the pressure on your tires? Have you spotted any bulges or cracks on them?
- Under the motorcycle: Check for oil or gas leaks under your motorbike.
- Lights: Test your headlights, taillights, and signals. They all need to work properly.
- Hydraulic and Coolant fluids: Arrange weekly level inspections.
Once you get on your motorcycle, check the following:
- Clutch and throttle. They need to be working smoothly.
- Mirrors: Clean your mirrors and adjust them according to your needs.
- Brakes: Inspect your rear and front brakes. Check for brake firmness and stability.
- Horn: Make sure your horns work properly.
Riding a motorcycle can be as tough as riding a car. It’s in your best interest to follow the rules, ride cautiously, and use your intuition to make sound decisions.
Want to help us expand our list of motorcycle safety tips? Please feel free to let us know in the comments below.
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