Motorcycle accidents can be hazardous and often result in serious injuries or death. To ride your motorcycle safely and avoid these accidents, here are eight tips to follow:
Tip #1 Wear the proper protective gear
The best tip to riding your motorcycle safely is to wear the proper protective gear. This includes but is not limited to helmets, gloves, boots, and a jacket or pants made with high-quality material that will protect you during a crash.
On the off chance that you get scratches or bruises from an accident, wearing protective gear is still worth it. But you might want to go to the nearest urgent care center to get your wounds treated. It would be best never to ride your motorcycle without the proper safety equipment.
Tip #2 Mind your speed
Speed is the number one cause of motorcycle accidents in the world today. If you are not careful, it’s possible to lose control over your bike at high speeds. Make sure that you never ride above 100 km/h because it is better to be safe than sorry.
Of course, the speed you ride will depend on your skill level as a rider. You might find it easier to control your bike at higher speeds even though the professional riders will tell you it is not safe. It’s up to you to decide what the best speed is for you and if you need to practice your skills more.
Tip #3 Don’t ride intoxicated
One of the biggest mistakes a new rider can make is to drive under the influence. First of all, not only does this impair your ability to operate a vehicle, but you are also breaking the law. Secondly, riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol impairs your judgment skills and slows down your reaction time.
That’s why you should never make the mistake of driving while intoxicated. Even if you are a licensed driver, after drinking several alcoholic drinks, you might not be able to drive safely. Wait for at least two hours before getting behind the wheel or ask a sober friend or family member for a ride.
Tip #4 Stay away from distractions
Distractions can be a significant cause of accidents for motorcyclists. This includes texting or talking on the phone with passengers while riding. You should always make sure that you are focused before starting to ride.
So, avoid riding while being distracted by anything else. It’s best to wait until you have arrived at your destination or stopped somewhere before you start texting or talking to passengers.
Tip #5 Avoid making sudden lane changes
People often make the mistake of changing lanes without signaling. But when you are riding a motorcycle, this can be especially dangerous because it is hard for others to predict your actions since they may not expect you to change directions suddenly.
Never pass through an intersection without using your turn signals. You should always check your blind spot for other vehicles before changing lanes and speed up or slow down accordingly.
Tip #6 Be aware of your surroundings
Sometimes, motorcycle accidents are caused by drivers who aren’t paying attention to their surroundings. You should never ride in a distracted or dazed state because you might end up crashing your bike into an obstacle that wouldn’t have been there if you were paying attention.
Be mindful of your immediate surroundings and avoid passing through busy or dangerous roads because drivers might not see you.
Tip #7 Use common sense
Driving is all about common sense, so it’s best to use your head when riding a motorcycle. Think of it this way: if a car has 50L of gasoline, you have 50cc. In other words, your bike is just as powerful as a small car. In many cases, drivers have mistaken a motorcycle for a motor scooter with less power.
Never forget that you are the one in control of your bike, and if you see a dangerous situation, then it’s best to avoid it. Also, you should always be on the lookout for any reckless drivers and be careful when near them because they might not notice you and cut you off.
Tip #8 Follow the rules of the road
You should always follow the road rules since it can prevent you from getting pulled over and then ticketed or arrested. For instance, you should never break any traffic laws because it indicates that you are not a responsible motorcyclist.
When you get pulled over, police officers might take your bike away if you are caught breaking any traffic laws. That’s why it’s crucial to stay within your lane, avoid speeding, and always ride with your headlights on when it’s dark or cloudy. Remember, following the road rules may help you avoid motorcycle accidents and help you become a responsible motorcyclist.
Riding a motorcycle can be a freeing experience, but you need to be mindful of how you ride. Always pay attention to the road and avoid distractions like texting while operating your motorcycle. This way, you can enjoy riding your bike and always arrive safely at your destination.
