Important Tips for Protecting Yourself on a Motorcycle

Owning a motorcycle is one of the most exhilarating things you can do in life these days. At the same time, though, it can also be one of the most dangerous activities. Even the safest of motorcycle owners can find themselves injured in an accident with animals, pedestrians, bicyclists and other vehicles. There’s nothing a motorcycle rider can do to protect themselves 100 percent from being involved in an accident. Why? The simple answer is that other drivers might not always be as safe as you are when you operate your motorcycle. You cannot trust other drivers, especially when riding a hog.

If you are considering buying your first motorcycle it might be a good idea to take one for a test drive first. Or, if you know someone with a bike, ask them if you can drive theirs around the block. Knowing what it feels like to have that kind of power under you will either confirm your desire for a motorcycle or help change your mind about ownership. Get on the bike with your friend and have them give you some instructions before taking it for a spin. Ask them to go for the ride with you, even if it is just a couple of minutes in an empty parking lot.

Once you determine if buying a motorcycle is right for you it’s time to learn how to ride the bike properly. It’s a smart idea to take a motorcycle riding and safety class. These classes will take you from the basics of operating a motorcycle to the most vital safety procedures that might one day be used to save your life. Since these safety tips should always be practiced, reviewed, and memorized, let’s go over some of them here so you don’t find yourself sprawled out on the side of the road awaiting medical care. If you are ever injured in a motorcycle accident make sure you know a good personal injury attorney to contact.

Motorcycle Safety Tips

One of the most important motorcycle safety tips you should follow is to always wear a helmet. Helmets are required by law in New York, for example, but if you go on vacation and ride in a state that doesn’t require helmets (Pennsylvania), you should still wear a helmet. Don’t change your riding habits or personal safety procedures because the law is lenient somewhere else. Your life comes above all else. Wear a helmet that protects your entire head, offers protection to your eyes, and is comfortable for a long ride.

Don’t underestimate the importance of defensive driving, especially when on a motorcycle. It’s always important to drive in a defensive manner, but it becomes even more necessary when on a vehicle such as a motorcycle that offers no protection from the elements around you. Defensive driving can wind up saving your life. The ability to be a defensive driver helps you notice issues on the road ahead of you, anticipate improper maneuvers by other drivers and much more.

Another important safety tip for motorcycle riders to follow is always check your motorcycle prior to every ride. Even if you are running to the convenience store for milk and bread, check the bike prior to the trip. You might discover an issue with the tires, lights that fail to work, a fluid leak or any other issue that could lead to an accident. Put your motorcycle through rigorous checks prior to every ride. Taking the extra 10 minutes before you go out on the road might save your life one day. Check the following:

• That all lights work
• That there are no fluid leaks
• That the brakes work
• That your tires are in good shape
• That the horn works
• That your mirrors are clean
• That you have flares in one of your compartments
• That you have a first aid kit in a compartment
• That you have plenty of gasoline
• That there is no damage anywhere on the motorcycle

The next motorcycle safety tip that might one day save your life is to practice evasive maneuvers in empty parking lots. You don’t have to dump your bike during practice but get a feel for how evasive maneuvers will work if you ever need to use them. Evasive maneuvers can help you avoid erratic drivers, impaired drivers, reckless drivers, hazards in the road and animals.

Some other motorcycle safety tips that riders of every experience level should follow include the following:

• Wear clothing appropriate for the weather
• Have sunglasses on hand at all times
• Wear goggles if there is no shield on your helmet
• Check the tire pressure
• Top off all fluids
• Study your route of travel prior to a trip

As you can see, motorcycle safety is vital to avoiding accidents that could lead to serious injuries or even death. The tips discussed today are just a few of what you should do when riding. Add anything else to your safety checklist that you deem appropriate.