What better way to unwind and feel at one with the world than getting on your motorcycle and taking off for the day. Riding a motorcycle is a liberating experience, but it can also be dangerous.
In 2018 there were over 5000 fatalities as a result of motorcycle accidents and around 90,000 injuries. Motorcycle safety should be first and foremost for any rider no matter how experienced.
Let’s take a look at some motorcycle safety tips to help keep you safe on the road.
Wear Protective Gear
Motorcycle helmets are almost 40% effective in preventing death and almost 70% effective in preventing brain injuries. Not to mention that it’s a legal requirement. In addition to your helmet it’s also important to wear full protective gear to protect you from road rash should you have an accident.
Inspect Your Motorcycle Before Every Ride
You should make sure that your motorcycle is safe to ride every day. The only way to know that something hasn’t happened to your bike overnight or while it was left parked is by checking it yourself.
Before each ride you should check the tire pressure, brakes, oil, fuel, lights, turn signals, mirrors, and horn. It’s best to know that things don’t work before you need them!
Take a Safety Course
Taking a safety course is a great way to test and improve your judgment and reactions should something happen when you’re out on the road. A good safety course will take you through all the unpredictable riding situations you might find yourself in and how best to deal with them.
Ride Within Your Limits
It might be easy to get carried away at first, but the bike you’re riding should be suitable for your experience as a rider. If you’re new to riding it’s important to keep the power down at first! Also, make sure that your motorcycle is a suitable fit for your size.
Keep a First Aid Kit on Board
Having a basic first aid kit under the seat of your motorcycle is a must. As a bare minimum, you should carry bandages, gauze, adhesive tape, Band-Aids, disinfecting wipes, and hand sanitizer.
Obey the Rules of the Road
The rules of the road are there for a reason, to keep you safe! Adhering to speed-limits, stopping at red-lights, and never riding under the influence of alcohol are just three basic rules that will help keep you safe (and legal) while riding. If you need more information be sure to check with your local traffic authority.
Keep an Eye on the Weather
Weather can affect all vehicles, but none as much as the motorcycle. Rain, ice, and snow can all greatly compromise your ride, but so can bright and hot weather. Always be mindful of road conditions and your visibility. If you have to ride in bad weather, then adjust your speed accordingly.
Be Visible
If you’re on a motorbike then your harder to see than anyone else on four wheels as supposed to two. Be mindful of driver’s blind spots and wear bright and reflective clothing, especially at night. Be sure to drive with your lights on at night and always use your turn signals and hand signals.
Always Follow These Motorcycle Safety Tips
Motorcycle safety is about riding within your limits, staying alert, staying visible, and following the rules of the road. These simple safety tips will help guarantee that your riding is kept incident-free. You might not be able to buckle up, but you can be smart.
For more ways to keep yourself safe and look after yourself be sure to take a look at the rest of our site.
