There are few things quite as exhilarating as riding on the back of a motorcycle. With this sense of freedom comes a need for responsibility. It’s so important to take the necessary precautions to help ensure a safe ride for you and others on the road. Check out these 8 tips for motorcycle safety.
Give your bike a quick look before you head out on the road. Make sure to check the brakes, tire pressure and tread depth. Are all of your lights working? Make sure the fluid levels are where they need to be and that anything you’re packing on the bike is secure.
In many states, law requires riders to wear helmets approved by the US Department of Transportation. Helmets are crucial to wear while riding. Not only will they protect you if a crash occurs, but the windscreen will protect your face from the elements—wind, rain, insects or rocks that might fly up.
The more coverage the better! As a motorcyclist, you have far less protecting you than other drivers, so utilize your clothing as much as possible. Denim and leather are great quality materials that can help protect you in an accident. Wear heavy-duty boots that at least cover your ankles to protect your feet and legs. Reflective clothing is great as well to allow other drivers to see you.
Accidents happen at intersections often, whether someone is running a red light, failing to yield, or pressing the gas before the light even turns green. All drivers need to be cautious at intersections—particularly motorcyclists.
It can be easy to miss a motorcycle on the road—they move quickly and don’t take up much space. Be cautious of other drivers. It’s likely more difficult for them to see you than it is for you to see them.
Always make yourself known on the road. Headlights are imperative—otherwise you can be completely overlooked. Use your turn signals so that other drivers know what your next move is.
Bad weather or poor road conditions are dangerous for all drivers on the road, but when you have little protection it’s even more important to play it safe. If it’s raining, don’t ride. It will be hard for the rider to see the road, but also difficult for other drivers to see the motorcycle.
Be courteous of others on the road. TheDepartment of Motor Vehicles suggests not riding between lanes of slow moving traffic or tailgating other drivers. Cars and trucks will likely be cautious of motorcycles on the road, so it’s important to show them the same respect.
Personal injury lawyers in Tulsa, Oklahomaexplain that one of the most important things you can do after a crash is to seek medical treatment—whether you believe you’re injured or not. Neck and back pain can often pop up days after an accident. We should always take preventative measures to help avoid accidents, but if something does go wrong it’s important to be prepared and ready to take action.
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