By Mitch Rice
Only 3 percent of registered vehicles in the United States are motorcycles, and yet, motorcyclists make up about 14 percent of traffic fatalities. Unfortunately, getting in a fatal accident on a motorcycle is becoming more common. From 2020 to 2021, fatalities involving motorcycles increased 8%.
Riding a motorcycle can be great fun, so it’s no surprise that many people choose to own this two-wheeled vehicle despite safety concerns. Before you hop on, it’s important to make some motorcycle safety preparations in case you are ever involved in an accident.
Even if you’re a seasoned rider, you shouldn’t take safety for granted—sometimes accidents are unavoidable and the only thing you can do is have the right gear. Whatever your situation is, we want to help.
This article will share helpful reminders for new riders and tips that experienced ones can pass on to others. Keep reading to learn more!
-
- Take a Motorcycle Driving Course
Many new motorcycle riders are already experienced drivers, but the truth is that driving a car or truck is not the same. It’s important to go beyond the basics if you want to ensure your safety on the road. That means learning from a professional rather than teaching yourself.
There is a wide range of motorcycle courses available, designed for new and experienced drivers alike. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation is one of the most popular places to improve your driving skills, and they offer courses in locations all over the country.
However, there are also private schools and tracks where you can sharpen your safety skills and learn special techniques, such as defensive driving.
Many states require any new motorcycle rider to take this type of course, but even if yours doesn’t, we recommend doing it anyways.
- Know the Rules of the Road
Laws for motorcyclists vary according to state, so it’s important to learn what is required where you live. If you travel to another state on a ride, you’ll also want to ensure you’re in compliance with the laws there. Here are some of the things to check:
- Helmet laws
- Eye protection laws
- Noise restrictions
- Daytime headlight laws
- Passenger age restrictions
- Lane splitting laws
Your local motor vehicle department should have a pamphlet or booklet that details all of these laws, but you can probably find this information on their website as well.
- Practice, Practice, Practice
Even after taking a motorcycle course, you should get plenty of practice off-road. Empty parking lots, dead-end streets, or areas that don’t get a lot of traffic are all great places to start. Some skills you’ll want to master include:
- Riding without stalling the engine
- Weaving through cones without skipping any or putting a foot down before coming to a complete stop
- Turning from a stop
- Making u-turns
- Swerving through obstacles
- Riding through curves
- Coming to a quick stop
You may want to ask an experienced motorcyclist to come with you and gauge your performance. They can give you some tips or recommend easy routes that you can ride at first.
- Wear Appropriate Safety Gear
When you read about motorcycle crashes, you know that the right safety gear can make the difference between life and death.
A motorcycle helmet is the most important piece of safety equipment, and you should wear it without fail on every ride. They come in all sorts of styles, but the best colors are bright because they increase your visibility. If you ride with a passenger, even if only from time to time, be sure to purchase a second helmet.
It’s true that some states do not require helmets, but an accident without one makes it much more likely the rider suffers traumatic brain injury and death.
In addition to head protection, you should protect your body with motorcycle rider gear. Many motorcycle crashes lead to road rashes that require skin grafts, which can be expensive and painful. You can avoid these with leather or sportbike gear, which protect your skin.
In the motorcycle world, there’s a safety policy known as “All the gear, all the time” (ATGATT). Following it is the best way to protect yourself, and we recommend practicing it every single time you ride.
- Perform Checks Before Every Ride
One of the worst things you can do is let a motorcycle sit because things may not work as well as you want them to the next time you ride. If you live somewhere where riding year-round is impossible, it’s important to properly winterize your motorcycle. This keeps it in better shape and avoids issues from popping up in the spring.
Even if you ride your bike all year long, it’s a good idea to run through a short checklist every time you hop on your bike. Doing so will help prevent mechanical failure. It should look something like this:
- Check tire pressure and tread
- Inspect brake pads
- Check fluid levels
- Ensure there are no leaks
- Inspect the signals, lights, and horn
Some motorcyclists find it helpful to keep a checklist in the garage and walk through it before they ride.
- Purchase Motorcycle Insurance
Unfortunately, even with the best road safety and precautions, accidents happen. Having adequate insurance means going beyond the minimum protection required by law in your state.
In a bad accident, minimum coverage may not be enough to cover your hospital bills since injuries can be serious. Consulting with an insurance agent to learn which policy is best is a good idea and can give you peace of mind.
- Never Drink and Drive
When you’re on a motorcycle, you need to be in a clear state of mind to avoid accidents. Even if you aren’t at fault, being under the influence can limit your ability to react, and delayed reactions can lead to grave consequences. If safety is your top concern, avoid any alcoholic beverages or medications that make you drowsy or foggy before riding your motorcycle.
8.Wear Appropriate Safety Gear
Motorcycle grips may seem like a small component, but they play a crucial role in both safety and comfort while riding. These grips provide the primary point of contact between the rider and the motorcycle, offering control and stability. High-quality avon grips not only offer better grip and traction, especially in wet or slippery conditions, but they also help reduce hand fatigue and vibration, which can lead to discomfort or even numbness during long rides.”
Motorcycle Safety Can Save Your Life!
After reading this post, you know the importance of motorcycle safety and the steps you can take to protect yourself. Be sure to follow all of these and bookmark this article so you can refer to it as needed. You may also want to share it with your buddies.
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.
