As a motorcycle rider, you most likely already know that getting out on the road on your bike is inherently more dangerous than driving a car. It is easy to see how simple exposure to the elements while riding a motorcycle puts you at risk for injury in ways that driving a vehicle does not.
That being the case, the onus is on motorcyclists to understand how to best protect themselves, whether they are on the road for a quick commute to work, or taking a long weekend touring cruise. Some of the most common tips are easy to start using from day one and may make the difference between safety and serious injury.
1. Know your skill level
One of the mistakes in terms of safety that some riders make is buying a bike that is beyond their current experience and riding skill level. If you are not yet an experienced motorcyclist, do not purchase a bike that has too much power for your current skill level. Consumer Reports suggests that you understand the engine size in relation to your needs. If you plan to ride on freeways, you need to have a more powerful engine.
2. Get the right gear
Protective gear is one of the easiest ways you can increase your riding safety. Nowadays there is a wide range of technical clothing that does not even look like what might be typically termed “biker gear,” and you can wear clothing that looks stylish and doubles as high-level protective wear.
3. Learn what you need to know
Although it can be humbling to admit that you are not an expert on motorcycle riding, a surefire way to improve is by learning what you need to know. Training with a professional driving school is one way you can increase your riding skills and improve on-the-road safety.
4. Use specific types of defensive driving
Defensive driving for those who ride motorcycles is a bit different than the typical car driver. You must always be aware of the fact that drivers may not see you coming. Taking turns and curves slowly is a simple way to improve safety. Another is to make sure you do not ride in other drivers’ blind spots, as the risk of them not seeing you on a motorcycle is higher than if you were driving a car.
5. Know what to do if you get injured
Although your ultimate goal should be to improve your riding safety to avoid injuries, it is impossible to create a totally risk-free environment. Given this fact, if you do suffer an injury while riding, you should understand your rights and responsibilities under the law. As you are recovering from your injury, you may face insurance company claims and complicated legal documents. If there was another driver involved in your crash who was negligent, it can bring additional challenges. It is important for you to seek help if you do not understand how to move forward in this process.
Taking safety into consideration is one of the best and most efficient ways you can protect yourself while you are out enjoying your ride. These simple tips can be a good starting point for you to create a plan to improve your on-the-road safety and thus reduce your chances of injury.