Riding a motorcycle is a lot riskier than riding a car. While motorcycles are cool and fun, it could be dangerous, too if certain safety measures will not be followed.
Safety must be a motorcyclist's number one priority. In order to avoid accidents, one must follow basic motorcycle safety practices. Doing so will not only spare you of expensive repairs, but will also help you avoid medical costs.
To ensure a safe ride, we have outlined five different motorcycle safety practice that you can follow.
1. Always Make Sure that Your Eyes Are on the Road
Driving a motorcycle demands a very attentive rider, as it can be very dangerous if you look somewhere else even for a second, according to MotoDeal. You have to make sure that your eyes are always on the road. In addition, you have to lookout for potholes, road debris, oil or water spills, and other kinds of hazards on road that might cause accidents. More importantly, be attentive to what's in front of you so that you can respond accordingly if the situation calls for it.
2. Always Wear the Appropriate Safety Gear When Driving
To ensure safety, it is important that you are always wearing the appropriate safety gears when driving a motorcycle, especially if it is a long drive. A helmet is something that you must always have even if you are just going to have a short drive. Moreover, make sure that you are always wearing shoes.
If you're going for a long drive, make sure that you're wearing your jacket as well as your riding jeans. Wear your arm and leg protection as well. Don't skip safety gears as these serve your riding insurance. It is still much cheaper than hospital bills.
3. Always Check the Weather Forecast
It pays to check the weather forecast before you decide to take a ride, particularly a long one. Driving through a rainy weather could be very challenging as it would mean lack of visibility, as per SafeWise. Knowing the weather forecast could help you prepare whether you need to bring a raincoat or not. In case it's going to be blistering hot, you would know if you're going wear an arm protector.
Generally, knowing the weather forecast will help you determine your gear choice, your route plan, and the time frame you will spend on the road. Always check the weather forecast before your ride so that you could plan accordingly.
4. Make Sure to Take a Motorcycle Safety Course
Most states require a motorcycle safety course. However, even if it is not required in your state, it's better to take one. You will learn about the traffic safety laws in your state. You will also be taught how to respond on emergency situations. According to A2B, instructors also provide lessons about motorcycle maintenance, which will be very useful for you. So although its not required, it pays to take a motorcycle safety course.
5. Always Watch Your Blind Spots
According to MotoDeal, motorcycles have their own blind spots as mirrors don't capture everything. You have to glance left and right to check the areas not covered by the mirrors. But in doing it, you have to make sure that the road ahead of you is clear. Also, make sure you will not take your eye of the road for too long as it can be dangerous.
Related Article: 5 Must-Know Motorcycle Safety Tips for Beginner Riders
