Motorcycle accidents claim hundreds of lives around the globe each year. While motorcycle deaths dropped 5.6 percent nationally in 2017, the number of fatalities involving motorcycles has been on the rise since.
Experienced bikers know how to protect themselves, and they also know that not everything is always in their hands. You can be the most careful rider in the world, and you still wouldn’t stand a chance if you happened to run into a drunken truck driver, which is why promoting motorcycle safety is essential.
However, if you take enough safety measures, you might get away with a few scratches. Not all riders are experienced and some of the rookies need some heads-up from time to time. Here are five motorcycle safety tips that may save your life:
- Wear the Right Gear
Each biker should have the freedom to choose if they want to wear protective gear or not. After all, your life is your responsibility. However, if you want to put your safety on a higher scale, aside from a helmet, you should always wear a leather jacket or, if possible, a reinforced one, gloves, footwear that goes over the ankle, and full-length pants.
Bright colors will help with the most common problem for bikers – visibility. Also, it is a very good idea to wear reflective strips when you are riding after dark.
- Buy the Right Bike
Riders should always purchase motorcycles they can handle. Riding a motorcycle that doesn’t fit you could lead to a disaster. Both of your feet must able to rest flat on the ground, the motorcycle shouldn’t be too heavy for you to lift from the stand, and you should be able to easily reach the handlebars.
That big ol’ bagger might look mesmerizing, but if it’s too much for you, it’s probably best to pass it.
- Don’t Ride in Bad Weather
You can’t beat nature. You can’t even run away from it on your bike. You should avoid riding in bad weather. Rain reduces visibility and traction, making it more difficult than usual to operate a motorcycle. If you get caught in the rain while riding, you should gently use the throttle, steering, and brakes so you can avoid sliding.
- Always Ride Defensively
Always assume you are invisible and always stay on alert. If you want to avoid accidents, you need to ride defensively. You must know the local traffic laws and you should be alert, signaling for turns or lane changes, following and passing other vehicles at a safe distance. Most importantly, you should never ride when you are tired or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- Check Your Bike Regularly
Before you jump on your bike and take off into the sunset, make sure you check all motor and electrical systems. Beep the horn, rev the engine, flash the lights, check the tire pressure, check the directional signals, and take a quick look at the brakes and the chain. These steps won’t take more than a couple of minutes, and they could mean the world to a rider.
Photo by Elvert Barnes
