It’s almost that time of the year to dust off your motorcycle and get back to riding! Whether you’re a new or veteran motorcyclist, it is important to remember motorcycle safety as you get back on the road. Here are a few key motorcycle safety tips!
Wear a helmet with a face shield or protective eyewear
It is extremely important to wear a helmet and protective eyewear whenever you ride to protect against severe head injuries.
Wear appropriate clothing and gear
Wearing the correct protective clothing and gear will help to minimize the injuries resulting from accidents or skidding. The general attire recommended is leather, nonskid boots, and protective gloves.
Wear bright or reflective clothing
It is important to be seen while riding, especially in the dark. Wearing bright or reflective clothing will help other drivers to be aware of you on the road and reduce the chance of an accident.
Know the rules of the road
Riding a motorcycle is quite different than driving a normal car, so it is important to keep your riding skills honed as time goes on. Be sure to obtain your motorcycle license through a proper education program and keep taking riding courses to keep your riding skills sharp.
Watch for road hazards
Be sure to avoid hazards such as potholes, manhole covers, oil slicks, puddles, debris, railroad tracks, and gravel.
Ride Defensively
Even if you wear the proper reflective clothing and driving carefully, you should never assume that another driver can see you. Always ride with your headlights on, stay out of other drivers’ blind spots, signal whenever you change lanes or need to turn, and watch for other turning vehicles.
Never ride while you’re tired or intoxicated
Not only could you cause harm to yourself, but you could cause harm to others in an accident. Driving drowsy or intoxicated can impair your reflexes, so make sure that you are awake and sober whenever you need to ride.
Motorcycle safety is incredibly important, whether you are a rider or simply a driver on the road in general. Keep these tips in mind when hopping back on the road this season. For more information on motorcycle safety, especially for new riders, click here!
Be sure to check out our latest article about staying productive while social distancing here!
By: R. Kubek