8 Motorcycle Safety Tips You Might Need

Riding a motorcycle is a thrilling experience. However, as much fun as it may sound, driving a motorcycle can also be dangerous and the driver has to be extremely cautious to avoid accidents and serious injuries.

According to the US DOT (Department of Transportation), motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to pass away in motor accidents compared to car drivers. They also reported 5029 motorcyclists’ death in 2016, a 5.1% increase from 2015.

Given these statistics, its best you drive. Here are some useful tips for you.

1. Take a Motorcycle Safety Course

If you’re new to riding a motorcycle, make sure you enroll in a safety course to learn all the basics. Just being able to ride isn’t enough to protect you and others on the road. Practice courses teach you appropriate actions to take in case you face a situation where an accident is a possibility. They also teach you how to respond if you do get into an accident.

If you’re aware of the basics, you can move directly on to advanced courses. These courses teach advanced turning, collision-avoiding maneuvers, braking techniques, control tips, and more.

2. Always Wear Motorcycle Safety Gear

Whether it’s just a short run down the road or a long ride to another spot in town, whenever you ride a motorcycle, do it wearing motorcycle safety gear. The safety gear doesn’t just protect you from getting injured in case of an accident; it also protects you from flying debris and dust; helping you avoid accidents as well.

Motorcycle safety gear includes knee pads, over-the-ankle boots, anti-slip gloves, and safety goggles.

3. Check Your Motorcycle Before Every Ride

Inspecting your bike before every ride helps you make sure there aren’t any malfunctioning parts that could cause an accident. Check the headlights, brakes, turn signals, tire pressure, mirrors, horn, etc.

4. Strictly Follow the Traffic Rules

No matter how much of a hurry you’re in, always follow traffic rules. These rules and made to protect you and others on the road.

Obey the signals, keep in your lane, and do not over speed. As per the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 48% of motorcyclist deaths occurred from overspeeding.

5. Stay at Safe Distances

Always maintain a safe distance from the other motorcycle or car on the road and don’t tailgate. Experts recommend maintaining a 4-second gap from the vehicle in front of you so that you have enough time to brake in case they emergency brake due to any situation.

Try and be aware of your surrounding lane in case you need an escape route if you can’t brake in time. However, experts recommend not taking an escape route in case you’re traveling on a highway or any other high-speed road.

6. Be Visible on the Road

Motorcyclists are often not visible to car drivers on the road. According to The Hurt Report published by the United States Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration, up to 75% of motorcycle accidents happened because the other driver couldn’t see the motorcyclist.

You can stay visible on the road by keeping your headlight on throughout your ride, even in the daytime, by avoiding blind spots of other drivers, by using turn indicators appropriately, and by wearing bright-colored clothing.

7. Check the Weather Before Heading Out

Make sure you check the weather forecast before you go out for a spin on your motorcycle. Experts advise not riding motorcycles on a day when it’s raining or snowing.

Water and snow can cause you to lose traction and not allow the tires to grip and brake properly, increasing the chances of slipping or collision. Heavy rain or snow can also impair a motorcyclist’s visibility.

8. Be Careful of Road Hazards

Being careful about road hazards while riding your motorcycle can help you avoid accidents. Avoid any patch of sand or spilled oil on road. It can cause your tires to lose grip. Avoid riding into potholes and bumps. Cross rail tracks carefully and at a very slow and steady speed.

Keeping in mind these things can help you avoid accidents; however, the possibility isn’t eliminated, which is why having insurance is necessary. If you’re looking for a motorcycle insurance company, Pronto Insurance can help you.

They are an insurance agency in San Angelo and have been offering motorcycle insurance and automobile insurance for over a decade. They also provide health insurance, life insurance, and homeowners insurance. Get in touch with them now for more information.

About the Author

Frank Harris is a professional motorcyclist and has been riding motorcycles professionally for the last 7 years. He advises young and upcoming bikers to ride safely and get insurance first. He recommends Pronto insurance for the best motorcycle insurance deals.