Riding a motorcycle offers incredible freedom and excitement, making many US driving routes even more stunning and scenic than by driving your average sedan. Though invigorating, driving these bikes come with their own set of risks. Motorcycle accidents are relatively common, but the consequences can be severe.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are four times more likely than automobile riders to get injured from a crash. Because of this statistic, it's crucial for every rider to prioritize motorcycle safety to minimize overall risk. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you ride more safely and confidently.
Wear the right gear
One of the most critical pieces of motorcycle safety gear is a helmet. Wearing a helmet has proven to lessen the chance of serious injury or fatality from a motorcycle incident. Look for a helmet that has the DOT symbol, as it meets specific safety standards designed to protect your head in a collision.
There are several types of motorcycle helmets to choose from. Here are some of the most popular designs:
- Full face: These helmets offer the most face protection, covering your head, chin, and face.
- Open face: This option covers the top, back, and sides of your head but leave your face exposed.
- Modular: These helmets combine full-face and open-face designs, usually sporting a chin guard that can be easily removed.
Beyond helmets, protective clothing is vital for fast-paced motorcycle riding. Jackets, pants, gloves, and boots made from strong material like leather can significantly reduce injury in the event of a crash. These garments provide crucial protection against road rash and impact injuries. Look for gear with built-in armor at key impact points, such as elbows, knees, and shoulders.
High visibility can be just as important as being physically protected. Wear reflective gear or bright-colored clothing to enhance your visibility, especially in low-light conditions or during rainy weather. High-visibility vests, reflective strips, and bright helmets can make a significant difference in how well other drivers see you.
Perform pre-ride checks
Unlike cars, motorcycles may not have signals like tire pressure monitors that indicate when something’s wrong. It’s important to do pre-ride checks beforehand to make sure your vehicle is safe and functional.
- Tires: Before hitting the road, check your tires for proper pressure, tread depth, and any signs of damage. Properly inflated tires with adequate tread are essential for safe handling and braking.
- Brakes: Ensure both your front and rear brakes are functioning correctly. Test them before every ride to confirm they work smoothly and effectively.
- Lights and signals: Verify that all your lights and signals are operable by testing them out before riding. This includes headlights, taillights, and turn signals. Proper lighting is crucial for visibility and communication with other drivers.
- Oil and fluids: Though you don’t have to do this before every ride, it’s critical to check your oil levels and coolant regularly. Maintaining the right fluid levels helps your motorcycle run smoothly and prevents overheating or mechanical failures.
Practice defensive riding
Defensive driving is categorized by a set of responses to potential hazards on the roads. These hazards can look like unstable drivers, damaged roads, and bad weather. Learning how to anticipate these dangers can help motorcyclists prevent injury and crashes.
- Awareness: Staying alert and continuously scanning the road is critical for detecting hazards. This includes watching for road debris, potholes, and changes in traffic patterns.
- Maintaining safe distances: Keep a sizeable distance from other vehicles, especially at intersections and in heavy traffic. This buffer zone gives you more time to react if a vehicle suddenly stops or changes lanes.
- Anticipating other drivers: Watch for signs that other drivers may be about to change lanes or turn. Use your mirrors frequently and be prepared for unexpected movements from other cars.
Master motorcycle control
Though motorcycles are known for their fast speeds, learning control and proper driving techniques will make riding these vehicles safer and more enjoyable. Some of these techniques include:
- Smooth accelerating and braking: Use gradual and controlled movements when accelerating or stopping. Abrupt changes can lead to skidding or loss of control.
- Proper techniques: Learn and practice proper driving techniques, such as leaning into the turn and maintaining steady throttle control. Holding a steady throttle can look like practicing your grip and your wrist placement for better stability when riding.
- Handling different road conditions: Adjust your riding style based on road conditions. For wet, slippery, or uneven surfaces, reduce your speed and avoid sudden movements.
Stay updated with training
Even if you’re an experienced motorcyclist, there’s always new things to learn about riding safely. Enrolling in motorcycle safety courses can be beneficial to stay up to date on the latest techniques and driving procedures. These classes offer valuable training on handling different riding scenarios, emergency maneuvers, and best practices for safe riding. Regular training helps you stay sharp and informed, since safe riding tips are always changing and updating.
Follow traffic laws
Though it’s tempting to neglect traffic regulations as a motorcyclist, adhering to road laws will help you avoid injury or crashing. Some traffic rules you should follow are:
- Speed limits: Look out for the posted speed limit signs and adjust your speed according to road conditions and traffic flow. Excessive speed reduces your reaction time and increases the severity of potential accidents.
- Lane positioning: Understand and practice proper lane positioning to maximize safety. Position yourself where you are most visible to other drivers and avoid riding in their blind spots.
- Signaling and communication: Use turning signals and hand gestures to communicate your intentions to other drivers. Clear communication helps prevent misunderstandings and reduces the risk of collisions.
Understanding insurance coverage
All motorcycles should know what their insurance covers in case of an accident or crash. At Infinity Insurance Agency, Inc., we offer a range of policies that can help you avoid unfortunate financial situations. Some of these motorcycle insurance policies include collision coverage, which can help cover damage to your bike during an accident, and comprehensive coverage, which can cover damages from vandalism and weather. Understanding your coverage needs is the best way to find a suitable option for you and your vehicle.
Maintain your motorcycle regularly
Performing scheduled maintenance is key to riding a safe and road-compliant bike. Follow your motorcycle manufacturer’s maintenance schedule or talk to an auto body technician to see how often to get your bike checked. Regular servicing helps keep your bike in good condition and prevents mechanical issues. These checks will inspect key components like tires, brakes, and lights to ensure your motorcycle remains safe to ride.
IIA and road safety
Prioritizing motorcycle safety is essential for reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. By wearing the right gear, performing pre-ride checks, and understanding driving control, you’ll be able to ride cautiously and in style.
To continue your road safety journey, make sure you’re getting sufficient insurance coverage with your motorcycle insurance policy. To update your policy or get a free motorcycle insurance quote, call IIA today at 1-855-478-3705!