Riding a motorcycle can give you a rush of adrenaline and thrills, but those aren’t signs to be reckless. Here are three things that all motorcyclists need to know.
For some people, motorcycles are like death contraptions because they involve many road accidents. But to others, motorcycles could be considered the best thing since sliced bread. While it’s true that riding motorcycles are riskier than riding cars, it’s not the vehicles’ fault that these accidents happen. Rather, it’s the people driving them.
If motorcyclists and motorists are more careful or mindful of others on the road, it can greatly reduce the number of accidents every year. So if you want to contribute to reducing the rate of accidents even further, here are three things that you need to remember at all times:
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Safety Is the Number One Priority
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are 29 times more likely to get involved in a lethal accident than passenger vehicles. They are also four times more likely to be injured. That’s why motorcyclists need to prioritize their safety.
The first step in protecting yourself on the road is wearing the appropriate safety gear, such as the helmet, non-slip gloves, goggles, and leather jacket or pants. You can also wear reflective or bright clothing to ensure that the other motorists on the road will see you, especially at night.
Most motorcycle accidents on the road occur because the drivers didn’t see the motorcycle driving in proximity. So, make sure to avoid driving in other motorists’ blind spots and to always use the right signals. This way, you can reduce the possibility of getting involved in a motorcycle accident.
Because motorcycles don’t have roofs, you’ll be vulnerable to the elements and other external factors that rarely affect car drivers. For instance, it could be the sun’s intense heat or heavy rain, and it could even be snow or ice on the roads. That’s why you should always check the weather and be observant of hazards before riding your motorcycle.
Regular Maintenance Is a Must
Much like any vehicle, motorcycles are man-made inventions that are prone to eventual wear and tear. It’s also possible for a motorcycle to sustain damages because of the impact of a collision with other vehicles or structures, and in severe cases, it can even break into pieces. That’s why routine maintenance is not merely suggested; it’s required.
By making sure that you’re regularly maintaining your motorcycle, you can prevent any serious accidents because of faulty wiring or loose knobs. You can also use a motorcycle tune-up service to ensure that your vehicle is functioning in an optimal condition at all times as an additional safety measure for you.
Routine maintenance should include checking the oil levels and tire pressure. Unlike in automobiles, the wheels of a motorcycle won’t have to be balanced too often, but they can be inspected along with the suspension and motor. Plus, even though a motorcycle’s engine is smaller than that of a car’s, it still has to be maintained regularly to ensure its value through time.
Having Insurance Is Important
Riding a motorcycle into the sunset is all fun and games until you get involved in a roadside accident. If you’re not insured beforehand, then it would have already been too late to protect yourself and your finances from taking a big hit. That’s why you should consider getting motorcycle insurance before you even start riding it.
Of course, the insurance coverage will vary from person to person, so your best bet would be to consult an expert about what type of policy you’ll need to protect yourself from personal injuries and financial losses. By getting yourself insured, you can reduce the fear that comes with riding motorcycles and simply enjoy the ride.
There will always be risks to your safety every time you’re on the road. Whether you’re a pedestrian, passenger, motorist, or motorcyclist, there’s always a slight percentage that you can be involved in an accident. And most of the time, it’s not even going to be your fault because other motorists may be careless or reckless in their driving.
So, getting motor vehicle insurance will help protect you from these unforeseeable circumstances. You could be on your best behavior as a motorcyclist because you’re following all the traffic rules. Still, it only takes one undisciplined driver to jeopardize everyone’s safety on the road. Don’t let that person be you.
Every time you go outside of your house, you’ll face a risk to your health and safety. That risk will increase twofold if you’re going to ride a car, and even more so if you choose to ride a motorcycle. But that fear of the unknown shouldn’t stop you from living your life, which is why you have to make sure that you’re doing everything you can to protect yourself from being in unlikely circumstances.