Motorcycles have their benefits. They provide a thrilling way to travel, they offer a close-knit community, and they even save on gas and insurance expenses. However, they are also much riskier than a traditional vehicle.
The number of deaths for drivers on motorcycles was nearly 27 times that of car occupants in 2018. Motorcycles are great vehicles, but motorcycle safety is crucial. Although helmets are instrumental in preventing fatality, they’re not the only safety measure to know about.
To learn more about the top 5 motorcycle safety tips, read the list below.
1. Wear a Good Helmet
Even if you always wear your helmet, make sure it’s the best quality on the market. Motorcycle helmets get pricey, but it could mean the cost of your life.
A good motorcycle helmet has two basic components — the hard outer shell and the thick inner shell. The outer shell should be made of fiberglass, Kevlar, or polycarbonate plastic. The inner shell should be polypropylene or polystyrene foam.
2. Get Motorcycle Gear
Motorcycle drivers should dress for the slide, not the ride. That means full gear every time, including a helmet, gloves, jacket, pants, and boots. Jeans will not protect a motorcyclist in an accident.
Materials like leather, Kevlar, Cordura, and UHMWPE are specially manufactured for abrasion resistance. Choosing between them often depends on your climate needs or fabric weight preferences.
3. Practice Defensive Driving
Defensive driving is a way of driving that supports accident prevention. It’s a set of skills that includes planning ahead, controlling speed, reacting to other drivers, respecting other drivers, heightened awareness, and no distractions.
The number one defensive driving tip is to never assume to know what another driver will do. Always follow the rules of the road while prepared to react to other drivers’ decisions.
When a motorcycle accident does happen, however, know what to do next by reading this article.
4. Take a Driving Course
A motorcycle driving course can inform you of extra safety tips and driving skills that can be lifesaving. Even seasoned motorcyclists can benefit from brushing up on the information provided. It may even help lower insurance rates.
These courses review important practical skills like braking, navigating turns, preventing skidding, making limited-space maneuvers, and understanding gap selection.
5. Stay Sober
Never, ever drive a motorcycle when under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or impairing medications. The same goes for regular vehicles, but it’s even more dangerous for motorcycle drivers.
Rather than risk the life and safety of yourself or others, call a friend or one of the many ride-share companies offered around the country for a safe lift home.
More Tips on Motorcycle Safety
This is not an exhaustive list of all motorcycle safety tips. Some other things to consider are regular motorcycle maintenance, always keeping a finger above the brake lever, trying to stay on open roads, and avoiding driving in bad weather.
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