Unlike passenger vehicles, motorcycles are usually only ridden during the nicest weather days of the year. So, when the clouds clear, the weather warms up, and the roads are dry, motorcycle riders will come out in droves! It is important to keep some of these tips for safe driving on motorcycles in mind when hitting the road.
Tips for Motorcycle Riders
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See and Be Seen
Other vehicles often cause accidents with motorcycles because they do not SEE the motorcycle on the road. As the person on the less safe motor vehicle, try to make sure you have eye contact with other drivers before pulling out.
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Stay alert
-Drivers education drills into students that defensive driving is the safest driving. Other drivers often misjudge the distance or speed of motorcyclists resulting in major injuries or death. Being alert and ready to react to any situation is the best way to stay out of the hospital.
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Catch their attention
Even when using high beams the lights on a motorcycle are not always attention catching. Using hand signals to bring your actions to the attention of other motorists when you are changing lanes or turning will add another layer of protection for you on the road.
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Understand your own limitations
While a lot of motorcyclists want to be able to drag their knees around corners and curves many new riders do not yet have the experience to take sharp curves at the proper speed. Road rash and other serious injuries can be the result of not understanding limitations of either the bike or the rider.
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Gear up properly
- Protect the noggin- a DOT approved helmet is the best way to prevents serious brain damage in an accident
- EYES: Not too wet, not too dry- keeping the wind and bugs out of your eyes will keep them from drying out or tearing up and allowing them to do their job.
- Don’t ride Naked: Every day jackets and pants are better than nothing but not as good as jackets and pants designed to withstand the damage of sliding along the pavement. Using the proper clothing can be the difference between walking away from an accident and spending a lot of time in the ER.
- NO flip flops- Not only do riding boots protect your feet but they are designed with the shifting mechanisms of your bike in mind. This allows the rider to operate his bike more effectively.