Motorcycles are trendy, fun, and fuel-efficient modes of transport. At the same time, riding a motorcycle poses higher risks and dangers than driving a car. Did you know that a driver has a 30% less chance of being involved in a fatal accident than a motorcycle rider?
Many dedicated riders can ride safely and without any accidents, but their safety is a result of following basic motorcycle safety tips. Keep reading if you are interested to learn more about safety precautions so you can cover miles on your motorcycle safely and smoothly!
6 Safety Tips That Every Rider Should Know in 2022
The following are some tips to help you bike safely and avoid accidents throughout your motorcycle rides:
Work on Building Your Skillset
Whether you ride on the road, mud, or gravel, it is imperative to be aware of your capabilities in an emergency. Generally, riders are prone to becoming complacent about their riding abilities. To keep your skills updated, consider enrolling in a refresher or a new skills course every few years.
With lessons from professional riders, you can hone your riding abilities and increase self-awareness about how you can enhance your riding style to stay safe. Above all, keeping up your skills could help you deal with a snag or difficult situation during a ride.
Check Your Brakes Before You Ride
Experienced riders cover their brakes in preparation for the inevitable when riding on a new or poorly lit road. It is an excellent way to prevent panic braking.
You can preload the brakes if you want to go one step further. If you hold the brakes before they bite, you can decrease the risk of panic braking. However, you must be careful not to hold it too firmly since this could cause the brake pads to wear out quickly.
Know Your Routes & Follow the Plans
No matter how short or long the trip, it is essential to be ready for the roads before starting. Ensure that you know the construction sites on your way and consider the tourist season and holiday traffic if you are going to a big city.
Planning alternate routes may be helpful because variables can potentially affect your overall trip substantially. Motorcycle riders should always follow the plans so that they would not run into any unannounced obstacles or face delays. If you are traveling alone or in a group, let someone know what you are up to, set check-in times, and use a personal locator if you are heading into remote locations or areas with no phone service.
Watch the Road & Know Your Happy Place
Another important motorcycle safety tip is to pay attention to the road you are riding. Be cautious when entering curves, and watch out for any possible gravel or other dangerous road conditions. Use caution when crossing railroad tracks because the paint on them and the white lines at stoplights might be slippery.
One of the biggest risks for motorcyclists is getting on a bike when they are not in a sound state of mind. Riding a bike while agitated, tired, disoriented, or under the effect of medications can be dangerous as it may cause the riders to lose focus.
Remember, the only person on the road looking out for you when you are riding a motorcycle is you. You should not put your mind on anything other than the road because doing so increases your risk of making unskilled mistakes that could result in accidents, injuries, or worse.
Make Sure You Are Visible Enough
Many motorcycle riders want to make their bikes look more streamlined by adding small turn signals, headlights, and mirrors and donning an all-black attire. However, you owe it to yourself to maintain the greatest level of visibility when riding. Leave the factory-installed turn signals on because they will probably be easier to see, and wear bright-colored clothing with reflective material.
Many drivers simply do not register motorcycles the same way they do vehicles when they come across them on the road. By altering their attitude regarding visibility, riders may make their time on the road safer and more enjoyable.
Avoid Any Distractions
A vital motorcycle safety tip for riding a motorcycle is to be aware of the surroundings. It would be best if you avoided motorbikes rather than relying on other riders to see you. While mirrors are helpful, you should not rely only on them to keep an eye on your surroundings while riding.
Experienced riders know that keeping their heads and eyes up while negotiating corners is critical and that safely changing lanes requires turning and looking over their shoulder.
Get the Right Insurance From JMG Insurance Corp.
Before you get on your bike for your next trip, consider these motorcycle safety tips for a safe and fun ride. Always think about how you, as a rider, can make your rides safer by avoiding distractions, wearing visible safety gear, and checking your brakes before hitting the road. Moreover, you should drive slowly, ride carefully, and always choose a route that is free of obstacles.
For more consultations on how to ride a motorcycle safely or get motorcycle insurance for riders, contact us.