About 75% of motorcycle accidents are with passenger cars. It’s bad enough that you need to watch out for potholes and other roadway hazards. You need to look out for other cars on the road at all times.
There’s not much you can do about drivers that don’t pay attention to motorcycles. You can only control so much on the road, which is why it’s up to you to practice motorcycle safety.
Table of Contents
Invest in Safety Gear
Your best protection starts by having the right safety gear. Bright jackets help you be visible on the road. Goggles are important to protect your eyes from hazards if your helmet doesn’t have a visor.
Of course, a high-quality helmet protects your head from major trauma. You should change out your helmet every five years or so.
Gloves are important because they let you shift and control the bike. You have to balance the elements with the thickness of gloves. Thin gloves make it easier to manage the bike, but your hands will get cold quickly.
There’s Safety in Numbers
If you can, ride with a group of experienced riders. Not only will you learn good riding habits, but you’ll have a little more protection on the road.
You’ll learn to handle different situations and you can get more experience. Be sure to let the other riders know if you’re learning or an advanced rider.
Know Your Tolerance
If you’re going to spend a long day on the road, you have to know your limits. You should never ride when you’re tired. You’re likely to make a mistake and get into an accident.
You should stop every 75-100 miles, but that might be a bit more or less for you. You might get tired after 50 miles, which is why you need to know your tolerance level.
Use Road Smarts
When you’re out on the road, you need to keep a safe distance from other bikes and cars. You should keep a 20-foot distance in front of you. You should aim for that distance for cars behind you, but there are always going to be drivers that like to get right behind you.
If you come across those drivers, always have a plan in mind in case you need to stop short. The driver behind you won’t react quickly enough to avoid hitting you, so have a plan to move to the shoulder or another safe area.
Get the Best Motorcycle for You
Your size and experience should determine what kind of bike you ride. You want to have something that you’re comfortable riding.
If you’re a new rider, you don’t need a 1200cc engine. You’re going to have too much trouble managing the bike safely. Beginners should start with bikes between 500cc and 700cc. If you’re of bigger stature, then lean more towards 700cc.
The Best Motorcycle Safety Tips
Motorcyclists are more likely to suffer injuries on the road than passenger car drivers. That’s why motorcycle safety is so important. Hopefully, you learned a few motorcycle tips to keep you safe.
Check out the Motorbike section of this site for more tips about riding a motorcycle.