Useful Hacks That Will Boost Your Safety When Riding A Motorcycle
Riding a motorcycle can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to stay safe while doing it. There are many things you can do to improve your safety while riding, and in this blog post, we will discuss some of the most important ones. We’ll talk about how to stay visible on the road, how to handle dangerous situations, and how to protect yourself from injury in the event of an accident. So whether you’re a new rider or an experienced one, these tips will help keep you safe while enjoying the ride!
Wear a helmet to protect your head in the event of an accident
Wearing a helmet is one of the most important things you can do to protect yourself while riding a motorcycle. In the event of an accident, a helmet can help prevent serious head injuries.
Make sure your helmet fits properly and is secured correctly before each ride. And if you’re not sure how to choose or fit a helmet, ask an experienced rider or motorcycle dealer for help.
Also, always wear proper eye protection while riding. Goggles or a face shield will help protect your eyes from the wind and debris. However, a motorcycle windshield extension can provide even more protection. And they are especially useful if you wear glasses or contact lenses. They help keep your eyewear from fogging up and prevent windblown debris from hitting your eyes.
Make sure your motorcycle is properly insured
Having insurance is one of the most important things you can do to be safe while riding a motorcycle. Make sure you have enough coverage in case of an accident, and that you are properly insured against theft and damage.
Some people think that they don’t need insurance because they are careful riders. But even the best riders can get into accidents, and you never know when something might happen to your motorcycle. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so make sure you are properly insured before you hit the road.
Use bright lights at night to make yourself more visible to other drivers
Of course, you should be using your headlights at night. But, in addition to that, you can make yourself more visible by using bright lights on the front and back of your bike. You can find these lights at most motorcycle stores.
Some riders even go as far as to attach LED strips to their bikes. This makes them even more visible, especially in bad weather conditions.
Ride defensively and be aware of your surroundings
If you’re always on the lookout for potential hazards, you’re much less likely to be caught off guard by them. Be aware of other drivers and their blind spots, and don’t assume that they can see you just because you can see them. If someone is coming up too fast behind you, let them know with your brake light or turn signal so they can back off.
Check your bike for any potential problems before you take off
It is smart to give your bike a quick once-over before you start riding. Check the gas, the oil levels, and the brakes to make sure everything is in good working order. This will help you avoid any potential problems while you are on the road.
If you have time, it is also a good idea to read over your owner’s manual. This will remind you of any special care that your bike may need and it will help you understand how everything on your bike works. The more you know about your motorcycle, the safer you will be while riding it.
Stay sober when riding a motorcycle – it’s not worth the risk
It really isn’t worth the risk to get on a motorcycle after you’ve been drinking. Not only is it illegal in most places, but it’s also incredibly dangerous. Alcohol slows your reaction time and makes it more difficult to operate a motorcycle safely. If you’re going to be out drinking, leave the motorcycle at home.
Make sure your motorcycle is in good condition and serviced regularly
When was the last time you service your motorcycle? If it has been a while, then it is time to get it done. A well-maintained motorcycle will not only run smoother but will also be safer to ride. Check your tire pressure and tread regularly, as well as your brakes and lights.
It is also important to service your motorcycle regularly to ensure that all the parts are in good working order. This includes things like changing the oil and checking the air filter. A well-maintained motorcycle will last longer and be safer to ride.
If you are not sure how to service your motorcycle, then take it to a professional mechanic. They will be able to do it for you and make sure that everything is in good working order.
Use hand signals to indicate turns or stops
What’s the point of having turn signals on your motorcycle if you don’t use them? Use hand signals in addition to your turn signals to let other drivers know what you’re doing. This is especially important at night or in bad weather when it may be harder for other drivers to see your turn signals.
It’s also a good idea to use hand signals when you’re stopped at an intersection. Indicate to other drivers that you’re stopped and ready to go, so they don’t accidentally rear-end you.
Keep a safe distance from other vehicles
Naturally, you will want to keep a safe distance from the vehicles around you, but this is especially important when you are on a motorcycle. By keeping a safe distance, you give yourself more time to react in case something happens.
Of course, you cannot always control how close other vehicles get to you but do your best to stay aware of your surroundings and give yourself as much space as possible.
Check the weather conditions before you ride so you can dress appropriately
It never fails- the one day you decide to wear a skirt or shorts is the day it starts raining or gets super cold. While you can’t control the weather, you can at least be prepared for it by checking the forecast before you leave.
This also goes for night riding. If you know it’s going to be dark when you’re done with your ride, make sure to wear reflective gear so drivers can see you.
Another thing to keep in mind is what kind of terrain you’ll be riding on. If it’s going to be a long ride on the highway, dress for the wind chill. But if you’re going to be riding through some mud, you might want to consider wearing something that covers your skin so you don’t get any dirt or bugs in your clothes.
Lastly, hope that these tips were helpful to you and that you will be able to use them the next time you go for a ride. Remember, safety should always be your number one priority when on a motorcycle. So, make sure to buckle up, stay alert, and most importantly, have fun! Thanks for reading.
Featured Photo by Harley-Davidson on Unsplash