Ride Safely: Avoiding Motorcycle Accidents
Riding a motorcycle produces a feeling of freedom that is hard to replicate. Even though motorcycles and cars are both reliable forms of transportation, many would argue that a motorcycle offers a number of clear benefits.
But, but driving a motorcycle is more dangerous than driving a car. Obviously, you want to avoid a motorcycle accident, Together, drivers and riders can make our roads safer for everyone by abiding by these motorcycle safety tips for car drivers and riders alike. When we share the road, we also share the responsibility to keep each other safe - motorcycle awareness is important not only for riders, but also for drivers.
Happy riding!
Wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle reduces the risk of death by 37% and reduces the risk of head injuries by 69%. In 2010, 41% of motorcyclists who were in fatal motorcycle accidents were not wearing helmets. That year, helmet usage saved 1,500 lives and an additional 700 lives could have been saved if riders had been wearing a helmet. Proper helmets that meet standards set forth by the Department of Transportation (DOT) do not interfere with a motorcyclist’s vision or hearing.
A quick check to ensure everything is in working order will save you from starting a doomed trip. Check your tires (their pressure and depth), turn signals, hand and foot brakes, as well as and your fluid levels before departing from home. After that, a quick look to ensure nothing is leaking and you’ll be ready to ride.
When riding, do so defensively. This means giving yourself plenty of room to make turns and change lanes, driving within the speed limit and assuming drivers won’t be able to see what you’re doing. Recklessly cutting in front of cars could land you in the hospital… or worse.
Changes in weather can be dangerous for motorcycles, as slippery roads can cause you to lose control. Be aware of conditions for the day before you set out, and have a plan for what to do if the weather worsens.
But, but driving a motorcycle is more dangerous than driving a car. Obviously, you want to avoid a motorcycle accident, Together, drivers and riders can make our roads safer for everyone by abiding by these motorcycle safety tips for car drivers and riders alike. When we share the road, we also share the responsibility to keep each other safe - motorcycle awareness is important not only for riders, but also for drivers.
Happy riding!
Motorcycle Safety Tips
What can riders do to share the road more safely? Check out these motorcycle riding safety tips:1. Wear a helmet!
Hopefully you already have this one covered… no pun intended! A helmet is essential for safe riding. Helmets are your best defense against a serious brain injury should you get in a motorcycle accident. Not all states require that you wear a helmet, but you should. Make sure it fits securely and is up to the highest safety standards.Wearing a helmet while riding a motorcycle reduces the risk of death by 37% and reduces the risk of head injuries by 69%. In 2010, 41% of motorcyclists who were in fatal motorcycle accidents were not wearing helmets. That year, helmet usage saved 1,500 lives and an additional 700 lives could have been saved if riders had been wearing a helmet. Proper helmets that meet standards set forth by the Department of Transportation (DOT) do not interfere with a motorcyclist’s vision or hearing.
2. Get comfortable with your motorcycle.
Each motorcycle is unique, so if you’ve upgraded or gotten a new one, you should take some time to try it out and get familiar with its quirks in a controlled environment. Spend some time getting to know how your motorcycle handles turns, your weight, and familiarize yourself with where all its bells and whistles are located, so you won’t be fishing around during a ride!3. Check your bike before every ride.
It is quite common for motorcycle owners to skip their pre-ride check. They don’t do it consistently either because they think it is not necessary to do it every time they ride their motorcycle or they are just too lazy to do the same boring thing over and over. This does not take away the importance of performing a check before you ride your motorcycle. We are used to telling our children about necessary precautions while they take them for granted but we often consider ourselves free of this responsibility – the truth is we are not.A quick check to ensure everything is in working order will save you from starting a doomed trip. Check your tires (their pressure and depth), turn signals, hand and foot brakes, as well as and your fluid levels before departing from home. After that, a quick look to ensure nothing is leaking and you’ll be ready to ride.
4. Ride defensively.
Do not assume you can be seen by drivers on the road. Motorcycles are smaller than cars and you can easily slip into a driver’s blind spot. Keep your lights on while riding and try to wear bright or reflective clothing.When riding, do so defensively. This means giving yourself plenty of room to make turns and change lanes, driving within the speed limit and assuming drivers won’t be able to see what you’re doing. Recklessly cutting in front of cars could land you in the hospital… or worse.
5. Obey the rules of the road.
The best way to stay safe is to ride as safely as possible! Follow all lane markings, posted signs and speed limits. Yield to those who have the right of way and avoid speeding and cutting off others - you never know when road conditions could change.6. Be aware of the weather.
Riding in the rain is more dangerous than riding in dry conditions for an obvious reason: slippery when wet. The road itself is slicker. Painted surfaces and metal road obstacles are like ice. It takes longer to stop and it's easier to slide out, so you need to brake earlier and lighter, especially on wet descents.Changes in weather can be dangerous for motorcycles, as slippery roads can cause you to lose control. Be aware of conditions for the day before you set out, and have a plan for what to do if the weather worsens.
