Motorcycle safety tips are crucial to be followed by every rider irrespective of their experience or the city they are riding in. One must be able to enjoy the ride without taking the rules and regulations for granted.
In the last 30 years there has been a significant increase in the usage of motorcycles. Along with the increase in registrations, the users are also focusing on their safety issues. We all know that riding a motorcycle is one of the most thrilling and exhilarating rides you can take. However, they can also be just as dangerous if the proper precautions aren't followed. Without airbags or a windshield to protect riders like a car, motorcycle riders need to follow high-priority precautions at all times to ensure safety.
By following the rules of the road and taking the proper safety precautions when driving a motorcycle, you can help save your life and the lives of others. The rate of death due to motorcycle accidents is rapidly increasing from year to year. Implementation of these safety tips should be given top priority. The motto to remember when driving a motorcycle is to always "Stay smart" and "Drive safe".
Mentioned below are some notable safety tips for motorcycle riders:
Getting Comfortable on a Motorcycle
The first thing that you must be aware before buying a motorcycle is that it is unlike anything you have ever driven before. The skills that you must possess to safely drive a motorcycle are vastly different from the skills it takes to drive a car. Thus, to be a safe motorcycle driver, you must strengthen your riding skills before you take on the open road. It's one of the most important safety tips for motorcycle riders.
It's always a good idea to get enrolled in a rider training course to learn how to properly maneuver and operate a motorcycle. You can find all levels of bike training at the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). A motorcyclist has to be constantly vigilant and careful while driving, and needs to also be especially aware at intersections, which is where most motorcycle-vehicle collisions occur.
In order to avoid these collisions, one should have complete knowledge of the rule of the road before getting on the bike. Reading all of the necessary motorcycle manuals will help you to be prepared for what to expect when you begin riding, so make sure that you know all there is to know before you hop on your bike.
Always Check Your Bike Before You Ride
When you drive a car, you're always aware of how it's running, even if it's a subconscious awareness. When the brakes begin slipping, you can usually feel it and when the alignment is off you can tell. Noticing these problems before hand and addressing them are good ways to make sure you're your car is always in tip-top shape and is safe to drive.
The same principles can be applied to driving a motorcycle. In fact, one might argue that it's even more important to be aware of how your motorcycle is functioning every time you ride it. That's why one of the most vital safety tips for riding a motorcycle is to examine its condition before you start riding the bike and make sure that every part of it is functioning properly.
Every part of a motorcycle plays a precise role in its operation, so be sure to check all of these things thoroughly:
- Tire
- Brakes
- Stands
- Oil level
- Fuel level
- Turn signals
- Horns
- Controls
- Lights
- Mirrors
Tip: Being extra careful when you brake is one of the most important aspects of motorcycle safety, as improper braking is often a major cause of accidents.
Safety on the Road
There has been a significant increase in motorcycle-related deaths on the roads in recent years due to accidents that are taking place. Following the rules of the road and motorcycle safety tips can help you avoid major crashes. For example:
- Ride the bike at your comfortable pace, and make sure to always obey posted speed limits.
- Keep yourself away from all types of hazards.
- Make sure that others can see you and give your eyes a proper rest by avoiding long stretches of driving.
- Avoid taking roadways that are unsafe.
- Maintain a safe following distance between yourself and vehicle in front of you.
As a lot of accidents tend to take place at night, take extra care while driving in the dark by maintaining the proper following distance and stay concentrated on the road at all times. If you park your bike by the roadside, then don't forget to turn on your flashers.
Motorcycle Safety Gear
We all know that helmets play a vital role in saving your life, so make sure to always wear a helmet that meets the highest standards of the DOT (Department of Transportation). This will protect your head and brain in the event of a crash. The helmet is the most important piece of equipment, and it will safeguard you in serious crashes. Make sure it is tailored correctly for your face and head and choose the best quality one to protect you. Put reflective strips on your helmet or on your boots to reflect light when you are driving in the dark.
Also, stay well-covered with protective body wear to ensure that your entire body is protected. Boots and gloves will serve to protect you from injuries to your hands and fingers. You should make sure to wear bright color clothes at nighttime to make you visible to others. Rain gear to cover yourself from rain can be extremely useful as well.
Lastly, eye protectors like goggles or shatterproof glasses can protect your eyes. It's important that you wear only clear eye protectors that are free of scratches.
Other Safety tips
As is the state and federal law in the United States, it is required that all motorcyclists be licensed and properly insured as per your state's requirements. In order to qualify for a motorcycle license, you will have to take a written test and a road test. Upon completion, you will be certified as a licensed motorcyclist. Your next step, of course, is to obtain motorcycle insurance from a license insurer with the safest insurance coverage plan that suits your needs.
As with a car or any other vehicle, drinking and driving is one of the leading causes of death among motorcycle drivers, and should never be done under any circumstances, especially on a vehicle like a motorcycle that requires both balance and coordination that can be severely impaired by consuming alcohol. Alcohol affects the skills which are essential to ride a motorcycle. Most motorcycle fatalities are the unfortunate result of drinking and driving. This is a reminder to all motorcyclists that you should always ride smart and sober. Never drink alcohol and get on a motorcycle.