The feel of the open road while riding on a motorcycle is unlike anything on the planet; it provides incredible freedom. But before picking up those keys and taking that ride, there are a few things to check out to ensure making it to the destination safely. Here are 20 tips to help keep you safe on the road.
Table of Contents
More Motorcycles=More Motorcycle Accidents
Over the last ten years, there has been a sharp increase in the number of motorcycle accidents. While it is essential to know what to do after a motorcycle accident, it may be more crucial in the long term to understand how to avoid it in the first place. After all, the best kind of an accident is the one that never happens.
According to the NHTSA, more than 80% of motorcycle accidents result in death or severe injury. This sobering statistic is an excellent reason to:
(1) Invest in a good quality motorcycle helmet.
(2) Not all places require wearing helmets, but if the goal is to walk away from a violent accident, it’s a great place to start.
(3) Full coverage helmets are a must
(4) Make sure the helmet has DOT approval.
(5) A helmet is one item you never want to buy used.
(6) Once a helmet has been involved in a traffic accident, it should be replaced for safety reasons.
Protecting Your Hands and Feet
(7) A durable pair of riding gloves can protect the hands in a crash or a bad fall.
(8) Some gloves are equipped with shock-absorbing sliders on the palm. These palm sliders are particularly helpful if you fall while driving at high speeds. In addition to this, since the hands are exposed while riding, keeping them protected just makes sense.
(9) Wearing proper riding boots is another way to stay safe while riding, protecting the feet in several ways.
(10) While riding a motorcycle, the feet are just mere inches from the ground, so choose quality, motorcycle riding boots made specifically for bike riding.
(11) Boots should have a protective, non-skidding sole to help keep the feet free from abrasions.
(12) Because the feet are also quite close to the engine of the bike, which gets very hot, the upper part of the boot will help protect the ankle and the lower shin of the rider from the intense temperatures.
Consider Taking a Motorcycle Safety Course
Although these tips can go a long way toward keeping you in one piece in the event of a serious crash or accident, the motorcycle itself can help out with the safety goal.
(13) Most experienced riders suggest selecting a bike that suits you.
(14) Motorcycles come in a wide variety, and choosing a bike that fits you in size is imperative.
(15) The fproper form of motorcycle will increase your comfort level while riding.
(16) Consider taking a motorcycle safety course. There are great courses available for both beginners and experienced riders.
(17) These courses can help beginners learn about bike and mental safety strategies to stay safe on the road.
(18) For more experienced riders, these courses can provide a deeper dive into crash avoidance.
(19) Safety classes can provide learning techniques for braking and cornering skills.
(20) Motorcyclists can be at a disadvantage on the road just due to the size of the average car against the size of a bike. Taking safety precautions beforehand can help ensure that if you are involved in a motorcycle accident, you will have the best possible chance of walking away.
