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Motorcyclists may have a reputation for being bad to the bone, but those who are hoping to stay on their bikes and out of the hospital (and a difficult financial situation) should take some caution on the road. Your motorcycle may never be as safe as a car, but you can help prevent stepping onto a death trap every time you grip those handlebars by following a few basic safety tips.
Get geared up
If you’re a motorcycle gear addict, you’re in luck: this habit might just save your life — as long as you’re choosing the right gear. With little to protect you from the outside world, your “biker” clothing actually doubles as crash protection. While you’re probably not keen on sliding along the asphalt at all, you’ll be in a lot worse shape if you’re wearing a pair of shorts and a tank top when you do it. While leather is considered the go-to material for motorcyclists, many companies make special armored jackets, pants and other pieces of clothing to keep you better protected.
Eliminate distractions
You already know that multitasking while driving is a dangerous game. But it’s even more dangerous on a bike, where small movements may have more catastrophic consequences. Not to mention that, as a motorcyclist, you’re already more difficult for drivers to see. That gives you the added responsibility of being hyper-aware of your surroundings to make up for other drivers’ mistakes. Keep your hands on the bike at all times and avoid distractions, like food, headphones, cell phones or other electronic devices.
Space out
To stay safe on a bike, you need to space out — literally, not figuratively. (Figuratively spacing out is actually a big no-no.) While you may really dig the fact that you can weave in and out of traffic on a bike, you could be increasing your chances of a crash by getting too close to other vehicles on the road. And since some bikes aren’t equipped with anti-lock brakes, a hard stop can easily cause a collision. That’s why you’re always safer keeping your distance and be aware of where cars are on the road.
Become a fair-weather riderNot only is it not a very pleasant experience to ride a bike in the rain or snow, it can also be a catastrophic mistake. On a bike, you only have two wheels to give you traction on the road, and that may not be enough in slick, wet conditions. Not to mention that rain, snow and fog can also obscure your vision (and you don’t have any trusty wipers or defoggers to employ).
Helmet up
It may be obvious, but no list of motorcycle safety tips is complete without mentioning the all-important helmet. While most states require you to wear a helmet on the road, casual bikers often break the law or wear a helmet that’s not up to par safety-wise. A good helmet should fit property and should not obscure your peripheral vision. The best helmets offer you complete protection for your head, face and chin.
If you do suffer any sort of accident, be sure to seek proper legal advice.
