Riding a motorcycle takes a whole lot of different skills than driving a four-wheeled vehicle. Road safety rules apply to the rider nonetheless. Apart from a profound knowledge of basic traffic laws, all motorcyclists need a combination of common sense and consistent education to reduce fatalities.
That said, it’s worth noting that despite taking all safety measures and driving cautiously, accidents may still occur due to the negligence of another driver. In such circumstances, you can seek compensation for negligence with the assistance of Schuerger Shunnarah Trial Attorneys or similar professionals. Taking this approach can allow you to hold the negligent driver accountable for the damage caused to your vehicle and the potential threat to your life.
Defensive driving
The first rule of thumb for road safety that we always insist is to pay attention. It is the only way we can defend ourselves against potential collisions. Leaving our fate under the mercy of drunken drivers is precarious and may leave us to have to see out help from lawyers, legal professionals, and potentially view websites as we try to gauge how to recover from an accident. Obviously, it is best to avoid this. It is imperative to look at both sides where roads intersect. Blind spots must be avoided completely while on the highway. A smart motorcyclist maintains the right distance from other automotive on the road. It is recommended to speculate car movements and the maneuvers of other motorists. Being aware of other drivers could be the difference between calling ambulances and getting home safe. Part of defensive driving involves remaining visible. We need to see each other as motorists by keeping headlights on and wearing reflective clothing.
Common sense
We have also said this countless times: drinking and riding don’t go well. This must stop. Similarly, there is no need to ride a bike when tired or angry. A rider must know their limits. We all know when we reach that boiling point, be it physically or mentally. Instead, we can’t wait to calm down, and when we are sure that we shall give the motorbike 100% attention.
Safety Check
We ought to give our bikes pre-ride safety checks. But what do most people do? They hit the road without checking the tire pressure only to realize a flat tire 30 miles away from an auto shop. The condition of the break is another critical aspect that must not go unchecked before riding. General electric parts e.g. horn, signals, brake lights, and high-low beams must be inspected in good time. A simple examination doesn’t cost much, but it will save your life and give you peace while on the road. You may also want to consider carrying a motorcycle service manual with you when going for a ride. If that is hard to come by, then maybe check out https://www.emanualonline.com/motorbikes.htm to download the manual for your make and model. That ways, if your bike faces an issue during a ride, you can at least get a temporary fix done, enough to get you to the nearest repair center.
Motorcycle Modifications
If you want to increase your safety while driving a motorcycle on road, consider enhancing the vehicle to increase its visibility. You can use reflective taps, auxiliary lights, and high-beam headlights to make your bike visible at night. Another modification you can consider is installing a street glide windshield to reduce the wind blasting on your face and chest. A windshield could also help to protect your face from debris on the roadways so that you can enjoy a safe and comfortable ride.
Safety Gear
There is a reason motorcycle gear was designed. We can’t explain it any better. It keeps us visible and protects us on the road. We need to ensure the right clothing to reduce the chances of injury in the event of a skid. Leather boots, helmet, gloves, and non-skid soles are paramount. Reflective tapes play an important role in enhancing visibility.
Helmet
Out of all motorcycle gears, the helmet is the most important. It protects your heads. We highly recommend a full-face helmet as it offers maximum protection from the neck to the crown of the head. It comes with eye protection and a visor that can be opened to let in the fresh air. Today, we have helmets in different colors and shades to suit each rider’s fashion style.
We also have flip-up helmets that feature a huge opening in a full-face design. The entire front lifts with a single touch of a button. This makes it easier to wear and take off. Then there is a helmet that gives head protection without full coverage. Its front remains open and the visor is the only wind protection. Lastly, the helmet only covers the top of the head. This design is common with scooter riders since they don’t move at extreme speeds. We wouldn’t advise anyone to have this for a motorbike ride. We insist on a full-face helmet for the ultimate safety.
Riding Jacket
It protects our upper body when riding i.e. shoulders, chest, back, and elbows. Riding jackets are designed differently. We have all-weather, conventional, and body armor jackets. The all-weather jacket has detachable layers ideal for all climatic seasons while the conventional jacket doesn’t have the weather protection layers. Body armor only protects our body from scratches with mesh-like materials.
Riding Pants
Some riders assume that jeans are good to go. But riding pants are specially designed for one purpose. They can be made of synthetic fabric, leather, or denim with a second waterproof layer. They are usually purchased as a set together with matching riding jackets. Some riding pants have shin and knee protection specifically for aggressive riders.
Racing Boots
These are boots with a metallic tip for protecting the rider’s toe. The left boot has a dedicated covering for changing the gears. Their high tops ensure that the heel is protected in case of a mishap.
Motorcycling safety starts with the rider knowing that they must be awake all the time. A slight distraction is a big threat. We must be extra cautious to avoid drunken holidays, especially during the festive season. We hope that you’ll stay alert and put on the right gear as you enjoy the ride.
