Motorcycle Safety Tips
There are many advantages of owning a motorcycle over a car. For instance, motorcycles are more fuel efficient than cars. They are also more fun according to most people. However, cars are way safer than motorcycles. According to the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety), motorcycles are riskier than cars because of two main reasons. One, it is harder to control two wheels than four. Two, motorcycles don’t have bodies like cars which introduces serious injury risks or even death in case of a crash. The sad reality is; you are thirty times more likely to die on a motorcycle than in a car.
It gets worse if you are an older rider since your ability to control a motorcycle perfectly decreases with age as your reflexes become slower and your eyesight becomes poorer. Your bones also become more brittle with age. Older riders over 60 years old have a higher hospitalization rate (three times higher) after a crash compared to their younger counterparts. The importance of motorcycle safety can’t therefore be overlooked. Luckily, we have gone through the trouble of compiling 6 most important motorcycle safety tips to consider.
Prepare to ride
This should go without saying. Your motorcycle must be fit for riding before you hit the road. First and foremost, your motorcycle tires must be in good condition (free of bulges, cracks or signs of wear and we have many products to help with this). The tires should also be properly inflated at all times.
Your motorcycle should also be free of mechanical problems. Look for any signs of oil/gas leaks before you start riding. The brakes, throttle, clutch, taillight, headlight, signals and horn should also be in good working condition. In a nutshell, the motorcycle should be in perfect working condition otherwise you will automatically introduce safety risks.
Wear a helmet
Helmets are an emotive topic among some riders. A select number of riders hate wearing helmets, however; IIHS data shows that helmets reduce the likelihood of fatal head injuries in motorcycle crashes by 37%. Helmets can be the difference between life and death in a motorcycle accident so, this is one of the most critical motorcycle safety tips to consider. Ideally, you should wear a full-face helmet approved by the relevant transport safety body in your country.
Wear proper gear
A helmet alone won't guarantee your safety. You need to protect other parts of your body besides your head. For maximum protection, consider leather or reinforced jackets, gloves, full pants with knee pads and over-the-ankle footwear. There are many stores which sell motorcycle riding gear so finding the right gear shouldn’t be a problem. Remember to consider brightly colored gear to increase your visibility on the road.
Ride defensively
According to a Center for Urban Transport Research study at the University of South Florida, most collisions (60%) involving cars and motorcycles are usually the fault of car drivers. This alone highlights the importance of riding your motorcycle defensively. You should never assume car drivers are seeing you. It’s important to be on the lookout always for cars making sudden changes. Most importantly, keep a safe distance from cars to allow you enough time to react in case of anything.
Avoid speeding at all costs
It might be tempting to race or test the limits of your motorcycle once in a while. However, it’s important to note that approximately half of all motorcycle fatalities involve over speeding according to the IIHS. Consider this tip first if you must choose one of the above motorcycle safety tips to implement immediately. It is very effective and costs nothing to implement.
Never ride while drunk or tired
Lastly, you should never drink and drive, ride or operate any machinery. Alcohol impairs your motor skills. You lose your ability to concentrate and react accordingly when you are drunk. Fatigue has almost the same effect. Your probability of sleeping while riding your motorcycle is very high when you are fatigued. To avoid exposing yourself and others to danger, never ride your motorcycle when you are drunk or tired. Instead, get some rest or find another alternative means of transport. There are good motorcycle transport services you can consider such as https://www.a1autotransport.com/motorcycles/ if you don’t want to leave your motorcycle behind. You don’t have an excuse for riding your motorcycle while drunk or tired.
Stay safe and have fun!