Nothing is more thrilling than getting out on the open road on your bike. But do it safely! Read on for some motorcycle safety tips for your next ride.
Did you know that a person is 27 times more likely to die when involved in a motorcycle crash than in a car accident in the US?
The sad reality is that many deaths could be prevented either by more vigilant car users or more careful motorcyclists.
If you love the thrill of motorcycle riding, how can you enjoy it whilst staying safe on the road?
Check out our top 9 Motorcycle Safety Tips That Could Save Your Life
Take Regular Breaks
Riding on the open road may seem like the most natural thing in the world. However, our bodies can deceive us. The insidious effects of tiredness can take effect before we realize.
One effect is that it makes us no want to stop. Experts say take a break every 75-125 miles whether you feel like you need to or not. Drink a caffeinated drink and even take a nap if you need to.
Arriving alive is definitely worth that 10 minute stop for coffee.
Don’t Get Too Close
We all love the social aspect of riding in a group. Yet getting too close can be dangerous. Factors such as weight, tire tread depth, rider awareness and yes even tiredness make it difficult to predict how long it will take for the bike in front to stop.
Experienced bikers leave a 20-foot gap between them and their riding buddies. Leaving this safe space between you and the bike in front also sets a good example for others, meaning you may protect more than just yourself.
Stay at the Speed You Are Comfortable With
Peer pressure is one of the main reasons why we speed. the desire to keep up with others and, more importantly, not to be left behind is very strong.
We can end up driving at a speed that is higher than we are comfortable with. 33% of all motorcycle riders that were involved in accidents were speeding.
Speeding takes us out of our safe zone and makes it more difficult to calculate maneuvers such as overtaking. This is especially true when riding in winter.
Even if the rest of the pack are picking up speed, hang back and stick at a speed that you are more comfortable with.
Pay Close Attention to Trucks
The longer the truck, the bigger it’s blind spot. This is especially true for semi trucks. Be very careful not to stay alongside them too long or to assume that they have seen you.
Semi trucks are particularly dangerous. The average length of a semi truck is reportedly 70 feet. It requires careful planning and extremely good visibility to be able to overtake something of this length.
Calculate your overtake carefully. Spend the minimum time next to the truck. Ensure that you have space to drive into quickly if the truck makes an unexpected maneuver. Once you start, don’t stop and afterward put as much room between you and the truck as possible.
Make Sure You Are Seen
The traditional image of a biker is a dark colored bike, with a rider wearing black leathers. This might be traditional however it may not be the safest apparel. Especially in failing light, wearing colorful clothing gives the driver a greater chance of seeing you.
It may not seem cool, but reports indicate that yellow, orange or green high visibility clothing do this. They may even make the difference between a driver unexpectedly pulling out into your lane or not.
Ride with People You Trust
We all have friends that do it. They drink more then we are comfortable with and then ride home. They lose their temper on the road. They put the foot on the gas when we personally wouldn’t.
The truth is that even if we wouldn’t do these things, sharing a lane with someone who would put us at risk. There is a very definite risk that there will be a literal knock on effect.
Avoid this by only riding with people who you are comfortable with and who won’t leave you in danger.
Drinking and Riding
One of the largest factors in motorcycle crash fatalities continues to be alcohol. Over a quarter of all deaths are estimated to be alcohol-related.
Unfortunately, 80% of these are male. After a couple of beers and feeling indestructible, many men take to the road, often with fatal consequences.
To stay safe, stay off the beers before driving and encourage your friends to do the same.
Wear Your Helmet
There is no feeling like the wind rushing through your hair. Helmet usage, however, is a huge factor in survival when accidents do happen. According to statistics Wearing a helmet does save lives.
Almost half of those who died in accidents during 2016 would have lived had they been wearing helmets.
Choose a helmet that is guaranteed to provide the protection you need. And then get into the habit of wearing it.
Get the Legal Protection You Need
Although a motorcycle is a mode of transport like another, sadly other drivers don’t always see things equally. They see motorcyclists as risk takers. This means that after an accident has happened they automatically see themselves as the party in the right.
Even before, but especially after, an accident its good to know a professional Motorcycle Injury Lawyer. This is a legal professional who has experience in not only law but the legalities of motorcycle riding.
They can leverage their legal and motorcycle experience to protect you and your loved ones.
What’s More Important Than Motorcycle Safety Tips?
It may not seem cool to apply motorcycle safety tips, but statistics prove that they can make the difference between an accident or no accident.
What’s more important than the best safety tips? Common sense on the road. Keep a cool head, avoid substances, and plan your maneuvers ahead of time. Do this and you will protect your beautiful bike. Most importantly you will live to ride another day.
Other vehicles aren’t the only thing you need to look out for, distracted pedestrians create a major safety hazard too.
