As a motorcyclist, you’re more vulnerable to injury or death than drivers of passenger vehicles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are about 28 times more likely to die in a crash than passenger vehicle occupants.
These statistics should make you more inclined to take the right precautions and get the safest type of motorcycle. When you have these in place and also make more effort to be mindful of your surroundings, you can significantly reduce your risk of being involved in an accident as a rider.
In this article, we’ll be sharing very handy tips that can keep you safe when you use the road.
Use Protective Gear At All Times
If there’s one thing you can’t do without as a rider, its protective gear. Here are the essentials:
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Helmet: Your head is the most vulnerable part of your body in a crash. A helmet is your best shot at walking away from an accident. You need one that fits you snugly, meets DOT or Snell safety standards, and has a visor to protect your face from debris. Full-face helmets are the safest option, no question. They cover both your head and your jaw, which an open-face helmet won’t do.
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Gloves: If you’ve ever gone down a slope, even at a slow speed, you know how much your hands take the brunt of it. Good gloves will keep your hands safe from cuts, scrapes, and impact. Look for something with reinforced knuckles and durable materials like leather or Kevlar. You’ll also appreciate them in cold weather or rain when your hands need to grip the controls without slipping.
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Jacket and Pants: Sliding across asphalt without proper gear will tear through your skin faster than you think. A solid motorcycle jacket and pants with built-in armor can prevent you from suffering this. Whichever brand you choose, make sure they have padding in critical areas like your elbows, shoulders, hips, and knees. Even lightweight gear designed for summer riding will do the job without making you feel like you’re roasting.
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Boots: Wear boots that cover your ankles and have a low heel. This will help prevent your feet from slipping off the footpegs.
Ride Defensively
You can’t afford to zone out when you’re riding, not even for a second. Always keep your eyes moving and scan the road ahead, the vehicles around you, and your mirrors.
Make sure to watch for sudden lane changes, drivers on their phones, or anyone who might cut you off. Distractions can wait until you’re off the bike. When you’re riding, your focus should be 100% on the road.
Nobody can read your mind, so make sure other drivers know what you’re doing. Use your turn signals every time you change lanes or make a turn. If your signals aren’t working, use hand gestures, but only when it’s safe.
And you must never tailgate, no matter what. Doing so would just mean asking for trouble. You have to keep at least a three-second gap between you and the vehicle in front of you.
That way, you’ve got enough time to react if they slam on the brakes or if something unexpected happens. In bad weather or heavy traffic, give yourself even more space.
Motorcycle Maintenance
Your bike is your lifeline out there, and if it’s not in top shape, you’re putting yourself at risk. Here are safety checks for your different bike parts:
Tire Pressure
Low or high tire pressure can mess with your handling and put you at risk of a blowout. Check your tire pressure regularly, if not every week. And stick to the recommendations in your bike’s manual. While you’re at it, inspect the tread. Worn-out tires don’t grip well, especially in the rain.
Oil and Fluids
Your engine, brakes, and cooling system all rely on the right fluids to do their job. Check your oil, coolant, and brake fluid levels regularly, and top them up if needed.
Dirty or low fluids can lead to overheating, sluggish brakes, or even a seized engine. It’s not something you want to discover halfway through a ride.
Brakes
Good brakes can save your life one way or another. Make sure to check your brake pads for wear, and listen for squeaking or grinding noises. Test your brakes regularly, and don’t ignore any sign that they’re not working perfectly. If something feels off, get it checked out immediately.
Lights and Signals
You need to see and be seen, especially at night or in bad weather. Make it a habit to check your headlights, brake lights, and turn signals before every ride. Replace any burned-out bulbs immediately.
