Most of the vehicles on the road are not motorcycles. They are usually vans, trucks, and cars. Motorcycle riders often go unnoticed or are ignored by the majority of drivers. At times, this kind of attitude can result in accidents, so it’s up to you to improve your safety.
Be on the defense
When you’re on the road, always exercise vigilance. Don’t assume that the driver of the car behind or in front of you can see you.
If you ever get on an accident, make sure that you get the proper documentation and legal help. There are many motorcycle accident attorneys in Utah and other parts of the U.S. who can help you obtain justice for the harm caused by other people’s negligence.
To avoid accidents, keep away from other drivers’ blind spots. Use signals in advance to make sure that other drivers understand that you’re changing direction. Lastly, always be on the lookout for vehicles that are turning.
Perform checks
It’s best to determine if there are any safety issues before getting on your bike. Perform a body checkup on your motorcycle before going for a ride. Check the tires for anything unusual, such as a bulge or a crack, along with signs of wear and tear. Low pressure on the tires and any other similar defects can cause blowouts on the road, leading to accidents.
You also need to make sure that all of your lights are functional. Otherwise, you won’t be able to use your signals. Look out for oil and gas leaks and do frequent checks on your coolant and hydraulic fluids.
Do more checks
After mounting and getting ready to go, check your front and rear brakes to make sure that they’re working correctly. You also need to test your throttle and clutch along with your horn. Lastly, make sure that your mirrors are clear and clean, giving you the best viewing of the surrounding area.
Gear up properly
Give yourself extra protection on the road by wearing the right gear. Having protective clothing will help you minimize injuries in case of skidding and other types of accidents. Leather clothes, gloves, and non-skid boots are some of the best pieces that you can wear. Reflective material on your clothing will also help improve your visibility, making it easier for drivers to see you.
Also, you need to invest in a proper helmet, which is your best chance to protect yourself against critical head injuries. Your helmet should have protective eyewear and a face shield.
Get in line
Rules on the road are there to help everyone be safe. Make sure to follow traffic rules, such as obeying the speed limit and right of way. There can also be local traffic laws and road rules that you need to be aware of. Watch out for signs or read up on them beforehand.
Update your skills
You can’t be too reliant on your skills when it comes to riding a motorcycle. Get yourself properly licensed. Complete a formal program catering to riding safety and education. This will not only help you hone your skills but also make you more aware of the proper safety measures that riders must take.
Even if you have been riding for years, you still need to take riding courses occasionally. These will help you develop a sharp strategy on the road, along with an excellent riding technique.
Be alert
Riding while you’re just a little tipsy is an absolute no-no. You must be fully sober to get on the road. This is not just for your safety but for others as well. Without a proper presence of mind, you might cause harm to others and yourself.
Additionally, make sure that you’re fully awake when you ride. Sleepiness can impair your reactions, so it’s essential to get a lot of rest before hitting the road.
Riding a motorcycle entails a different skill set than riding other vehicles. Also, motorcycle riders must exercise extra precautions while on the road due to the higher level of dangers. Keep these tips in mind when you go out for a ride.