While some people prefer to drive fancy cars, some go for a motorcycle for various reasons. Apart from feeling good and cool, motorcycle riders feel a sense of freedom that allows them to connect with the world around them. A motorcycle ride can also make commuting easier and more fun. However, when you opt for a motorcycle rather than a car, make sure to prioritize your safety. This article tackles some of the most viable means on how to ensure your safety when riding a motorcycle.
Wear Appropriate Safety Gear
Helmet
One of the primary things that you need to do to ensure that you are safe when riding a motorcycle is to wear appropriate safety gear. A helmet is a fundamental safety gear that you should possess along with the purchase of your motorcycle. In most states and countries, it is illegal to ride a motorcycle without a helmet because this can just save your life in case you meet an accident on the road. At the very least, your helmet should be firm but comfortable to wear.
Gloves
Apart from a helmet, you should also wear gloves to protect your hands during a crash. Keep in mind that you will most likely use your hands to break a fall, with your palm hitting the ground first. Your gloves should completely cover your hands, ensuring that no skin is exposed.
Jacket
Whenever you ride, make it a habit to wear a jacket that can protect your limbs and torso in the event of an accident. However, it is crucial to go for a jacket that is specifically designed for motorcycle riding. Some of these are made from textile which is significantly cheaper, while others are made from leather which is more durable. Rest assured that either one is suitable for a motorcycle ride.
Follow Traffic Rules
Safety Course
Another thing that you need to do to ensure that you are safe when riding a motorcycle is to follow traffic rules religiously. In this case, it will prove to be beneficial if you take a safety course beforehand for you to get a good insight into the rules on the road when it comes to motorcycles. You can even refer to certain apps that can help you review the details of the course. Nevertheless, through this course, you will also have a good idea of the actions that you need to make should you encounter unpredictable riding situations.
Defensive Driving
Make sure that you use signals whenever you are turning or changing lanes for the other motorists on the road to be aware of your intentions. You should also adhere to the posted speed limits to reduce your risk of getting into a road accident. In parallel to this, you should also exert the effort to be visible to other drivers by avoiding blind spots or driving with your headlights on whenever necessary, even during the day, as long as the weather or road conditions call for it.
To be more visible on the road, there is also the option for you to wear reflective or bright clothing. You also need to be more observant and watch out for road hazards whenever you ride. For instance, sand or gravel can easily make you lose traction which is why you may need to slow down. You should also stay at a safe distance because tailgating will only increase the likelihood of you getting into an accident.
Get Insured
You should also get insured if you are a frequent motorcycle rider because this will help keep you safe and protected from unnecessary costs. Keep in mind that you will need motorbike insurance to ensure that your expenses will be covered for your medical treatments, as well as for the repair or replacement of your motorcycle. Apart from coverage on your medical bills and the damage to your bike, motorcycle insurance can also help you with the expenses that you can incur should you cause injury to others or damage to their property when you are riding. The key is in carefully reviewing and understanding the clause of your policy.
Get Your Bike in Good Condition
Before You Ride
Finally, to ensure that you are safe when riding a motorcycle, you also need to exert extra effort to keep your bike in good condition. Before you go for a ride, check your tires for any cracks or bulges. Underneath your motorcycle, you should look for any signs of oil or gas leaks. Make sure that your headlight and taillights, as well as your signals, are all working properly too. Even the level of your hydraulic and coolant fluids should be checked regularly.
On Your Motorcycle
As soon as you have mounted on your motorcycle, check the clutch and throttle to make sure that they are working smoothly. Keep in mind that the throttle should snap back when it is released. You should also check your mirrors and adjust them accordingly to a sharp viewing. It is also vital to check your front and rear brakes, each one feeling firm, holding the motorcycle still when fully applied. Finally, you should also check the horn of your motorcycle to ensure that it is working.
Motorcycle Maintenance
To ensure that your motorcycle is in its best condition, you need to maintain it properly. In this case, you need to change the oil periodically to keep its engine running smoothly. You can check your motorcycle’s manual to find out when you should change the oil. You should also take the time to change the air filter to ensure that it is doing a good job in keeping the debris out of your engine. Additionally, you also need to maintain your motorcycle’s tire pressure and tread.
When riding a motorcycle, make sure that you are wearing your appropriate safety gear, and you follow traffic rules religiously. Alongside this, it is also a good idea to get insured to have the means to get by in case you encounter road mishaps when you ride. Also, exert the extra effort to get your bike in mint condition always before you ride. All these are geared towards ensuring that you are safe when riding your motorcycle.
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