Motorcycles are fast and exhilarating vehicles. Many riders love the speed and the freeing nature of motorcycle designs. However, motorcycles are statistically more dangerous compared to cars. Therefore, riders should take every precaution necessary to stay safe while on the road. The article offers some tips for riders to improve their safety on the road.
Hands-on Training
Motorcycle safety starts with proper training. According to the National Safety Council, taking the Basic Rider Course should be the first step when deciding to ride. The course covers every facet of motorcycle riding, including 14 hands-on riding exercises designed to improve your competence on the road. An adequately trained rider is less likely to lose control of their motorcycle.
Use Protective Gear
The second most important concern for all riders is to gear up. Motorcycle riding exposes one's entire body to risks that other vehicles do not. Wearing reinforced leather jackets, pants, and boots should be standard practice for riders and passengers. They should also wear helmets with protective glass over their eyes and wear gloves to protect their hands. There is specially designed clothing for riders that ensures they do not get overly hot while riding their motorcycles.
Do Not Speed
Knowing one's limits on the road is another excellent safety measure. However, riders should strive to limit their speed on the road. Speeding is the most common cause of accidents and crashes. Therefore, ensuring one does not speed while on the road reduces the risk of crashing.
Regularly Servicing Your Ride
Proper maintenance of one's ride prevents unexpected breakdowns on the road. Riders should ensure their brakes, tire pressure, lights, and mirrors function as intended. They should also service their motorcycles regularly to prevent leaks or other hazards, like breakdowns from loose bolts.
Watching the Road
Motorcycles require more focus than other motor vehicles. Riders are more vulnerable on the road because their preferred transport method does not have an exterior frame. Therefore, they must constantly look for other cars, passengers, and loose gravel while riding. These factors can be the difference between having a safe journey on the road and crashing.
Accounting for the Weather
Weather is another factor that increases a rider’s risk of crashing. Rain or snow can radically reduce the grip of a motorcycle's tires on the road. Riders who ignore the weather may find themselves on the road with poor visibility or little control over their vehicle.
Observing Traffic Rules
Traffic rules ensure that all road users are safe. Riders must look for traffic signs, white lines, and speed limits on the road. These guides are meant to improve the safety of road use and should be strictly followed.
Limit the Number of Passengers
Most motorcycles only carry two passengers. Further, the added weight of a passenger may be unfamiliar to a novice rider. Therefore, it is always advisable to limit the number of people you carry on your motorcycle per ride. This tip protects both the rider and the passenger.
Conclusion
Riding a motorcycle can be a thrilling experience, but it comes with serious risks. Ensuring your safety on the road should be your top priority. You must wear protective gear, regularly service your motorcycle, follow traffic rules, and stay aware of your surroundings. Honing your skills through proper training, taking note of weather conditions, and adhering to speed limits can further minimize the risks. Riding with passengers adds extra responsibility, so be mindful of how the added weight might affect your handling.
The freedom of riding a motorcycle is unmatched, but it is best enjoyed when you are riding responsibly and know that you have done everything you can to protect yourself and those around you. If an accident does occur, understanding your rights and options can help you navigate the aftermath and recover compensation for your losses. Taking proactive measures will help you stay safe and ensure you are prepared should the unexpected happen.
