Motorcycles are not only fuel-efficient but fun to ride as well. However, bikes are one of the most unsafe and dangerous vehicles today. In fact, the National Motorcycle Institute revealed that it is 27 times riskier to drive a motorcycle than to drive a car. So, if you’re a motorcycle rider, you need to take full accountability for your safety.
Moreover, learning to anticipate another driver’s mistake on the road is also beneficial. Plus, there are a lot of things you can do to lessen the risk of accidents or injury not only to yourself but to other drivers as well. To help you stay as safe as possible, here are seven motorcycle safety tips for new bikers put together by an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer in Atlanta.
1. Do a Quick Check
Whether you’re going on a short or long ride, always check your bike, including your documents. To do this, check if the tires are properly inflated. You also need to check if your bike’s vital components, such as the brakes, lights, dash indicators, clutch, and throttle, are working properly. If you notice any sign of damage to your bike, like an oil leak, don’t ride it. Moreover, you also need to ensure that you’re carrying your motorcycle documents and license before you head out for a ride.
2. Wear the Right Gear
Wearing a helmet can help reduce the risk of a serious head injury or death in case of an accident. But, a helmet is just one of the most essential things you should wear when you’re riding a motorcycle. You should also wear the right gear, which includes a leather jacket, gloves, and over-the-ankle boots with non-skid soles. Additionally, you should also protect your eyes by wearing goggles or a helmet visor. Lastly, attaching reflective tape on your clothes is also crucial to ensure that other drivers will be able to see you.
3. Be a Defensive Driver
According to a study done by the University of South Florida’s Center for Urban Transportation Research, about 60% of the time, car drivers were responsible for the collisions involving a car and motorcycle. For this reason, bike riders should be cautious and extra alert when riding. Furthermore, you should also stay out of a car driver’s blind spot and always ride with your headlights on. Lastly, you should keep an eye out for turning vehicles, and always signal in advance if you’re going to change direction.
4. Follow the Traffic Rules
Aside from being a defensive driver, following the traffic rules is also essential to avoid accidents. One important rule is the speed limit. This rule is set to keep pedestrians and drivers safe. So, even if the road is empty, and you’re tempted to ride at top speed, always make sure that you’re not going beyond the speed limit. You should also be aware of all other local traffic laws.
5. Lookout for Road Hazards
Compared to a car, motorcycles have less contact with the ground or pavement. As such, various factors can easily cause a bike to slide unexpectedly, such as pebbles, sand, and wet leaves. Moreover, potholes and bumps that you’ll barely notice when you’re in a car can cause serious danger when you’re riding a bike. As much as possible, try to slow down when you see these road hazards to reduce the risk of an accident.
6. Consider Investing in Anti-Lock Brakes
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) brakes can offer various benefits. One, in particular, is that it helps you maintain steering control during an emergency stop. Aside from that, this type of braking system is valuable when the road is slippery. In fact, according to the IIHS data, motorcycles with anti-lock brakes were 37% less likely to be caught up in a fatal crash. The good news is that most high-end bikes have this feature already. If your bike doesn’t have ABS brakes, you can install it for a few hundred dollars.
7. Always Ride Sober and Awake
Drinking and riding is not a good combination. In fact, it’s one of the common causes of motorcycle accidents. Doing this may cause harm not only to yourself but to others as well. Furthermore, drowsiness and fatigue can negatively affect your ability to react. So, you should ensure that you’re well-rested and sober before you ride your motorcycle.