From statistics, motorcycle riders are more likely to be involved in fatal accidents than people in passenger cars. These figures indicate how dangerous it can be to ride a bike. However, this does not mean that you should stop riding your motorbike if you love the freedom of the road. It just means that you should put some effort into making sure that safety is prioritized when you’re on your bike. Remember, motorcycle riders are 22 times more likely to die in a crash than people riding in other kinds of passenger vehicles. Hence, motorcycle safety tips are essential.
There are other motorcycle safety tips you should not ignore:
Proper Clothing Is Critical for All Riders
Riding motorcycles is exhilarating, but it’s not something everyone should do, simply because many people do not know how to ride them properly. If you want to enjoy this form of transportation without any severe injuries, then you need to wear protective clothing at all times while riding. Proper attire can prevent a motorcycle accident and avoid the worst-case scenario. This means wearing sturdy boots with non-slip soles, thick pants that cover the entire length of your legs, gloves (preferably made from leather), and a helmet with a face shield or goggles. You also need to ensure that your vision is clear by buying safety glasses that meet the American National Standard Institute standards.
Avoid Riding During Bad Weather Conditions
Riding during heavy rain or hail storms can make it very difficult for you to keep yourself safe. The rain affects your visibility, so it can also pose a significant danger to other drivers and bikers on the road. Riding motorcycles in snow and foggy weather conditions is even worse because you cannot break quickly; this makes for a hazardous situation. You cannot control how others will drive, and that’s why you should avoid riding during bad weather conditions. Other factors that may make it more difficult for you to keep yourself protected are the dark clouds and low visibility. If this is the case, it can be hard to see other cars, so avoid riding your bike on days with heavy weather that doesn’t seem likely to let up anytime soon.
On-Road Awareness is Vital for All Riders
Riding on roads with cars passing by at high speeds can be very dangerous, especially if you’re not paying attention to what’s happening around you. Since motorcyclists have less protection than passengers inside vehicles, they need to practice more awareness on the road. If you want to stay safe, then you need to make sure that your bike is in tip-top condition at all times. You also have to be aware of weather conditions because they can significantly affect how you ride. Riding motorcycles requires a lot of caution because bikers are not fully protected against other cars on the road.
Your Motorcycle Needs to be Properly Maintained
An adequately maintained motorcycle can make all the difference when you’re out there on the open road. Before going out for a ride, ensure that your bike is in good working order. A well-tuned motorcycle will run smoother and require fewer parts to repair after an accident or crash. Here are some tips when it comes to preparing your bike for a ride:
- Tires should be inflated adequately before going out riding.
- Replace any tires with worn threads because they might cause accidents if the tread separates from the tire when in motion.
- Make sure there’s enough oil in the engine.
- Check brakes and brake pads and ensure they’re not too worn.
- Check your head and tail lights to ensure you can be seen easily on the road.
- Make sure handlebars are tight and secure enough not to shake around when in motion.
Stay Alert While Driving
Riding a motorcycle requires complete attention because you need to avoid crashes and falls that could cause serious injuries or even death. Do not let distractions such as loud music and cell phones take your focus away from the road. When in motion, always keep both hands on the handlebars, keep both feet on the pedals and never put one foot on top of the other while riding because it can cause accidents when bikers lose balance. If you’re tired while out riding, then pull over somewhere safe, so you can rest for a bit before continuing with your trip. Ensure to get enough sleep before going out for a ride because it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to protecting yourself against harm.
There are so many things that you could do to keep yourself safe, but one essential part of this is riding your motorcycle safely at all times. This means reducing speed when approaching turns, being aware of other vehicles around you, checking your blind spots before changing lanes, and not drinking any alcohol at all if you are going to be riding your bike.
