Riding a motorcycle can be one of the most thrilling things in the world. The freedom and adrenaline fill your body and mind, and due to the emotions, you might think for a second that no bad thing could occur. Unfortunately, a second of distraction could cost your health. No matter if it’s your fault or some other driver’s, it’s crucial to take preventive measures to minimise the chances of an accident because, understandably, prevention is better than cure. In this article, we are going to unveil the most important practices and aspects to consider so that you can drive your motorcycle safely and avoid hazards on the road:
The importance of protective equipment
First of all, we should point out the importance of safety gear for motorcycles; the pieces are crucial to preventing and protecting from common injuries caused by road accidents. Protective equipment for this kind of vehicle includes:
- Helmet: it’s the most critical piece of the safety gear. You can opt for a full-face helmet to enhance protection, and even if it’s not the most comfortable option, you can prevent a tragic situation in case of an accident.
- Riding boots: they’re essential to provide protection to the ankles, and they are often found in sturdy materials like leather and Kevlar.
- Gloves: they should be made from a rough material and have padding on the palms and knuckles, to prevent abrasions.
- Body armour: jacket and pants should be made of a durable material like leather, with armour on the critical areas of your body like knees and chest. On the other hand, you can also opt for a textile material for a jacket in hot weather.
Riding a motorcycle can be fun, but you must prepare rigorously before hitting the road and be aware of the dangers you are exposed to. So, keep in mind that safety gear could save your life.
Ride defensively
Defensive riding includes a set of skills and strategies to minimise the risks of potential accidents. It doesn’t relate just to the overall knowledge of the legislation, but it takes good practice and enhanced awareness about the environment you are in. If you are a victim of such a terrible accident, be aware that a team of experts can help you get compensation for your mental and physical damage. These are the core concepts of defensive ride you should get used to:
Stay focused and alert
It’s crucial to stay focused and alert no matter the vehicle you are driving, but when it comes to motorcycles, be aware that many drivers could neglect your presence on the road. Scan the road ahead to identify potential hazards, be aware of other vehicles and try to think about their next turn and moves so you know how to act, and be cautious about all the things that are happening around you.
Keep a distance
Keeping a safe distance is critical, as it can prevent crashes with the vehicles ahead of you. This is helpful because, even if you have in front of you a negligent driver who stops the vehicle suddenly or breaks unexpectedly while texting on the phone, you can prevent a crash thanks to the breathing space between you. As a motorcyclist, you must be extra careful because you are exposed to more danger than an actual car.
Stay visible
Besides the safety gear, during nighttime, it’s always best to stay visible by wearing reflective clothing like vests, using lights and reflectors, and positioning yourself where you are more visible to other vehicles on the road. It’s crucial to signal your next move and avoid sudden turns that could make it impossible for other drivers to see when you are changing lanes.
Plan a route
Last but not least, a practice included in defensive driving is to plan your route. By doing this, you can study the potential hazards you may encounter on the road, get familiar with the dangerous zones, and avoid high-risk areas with poor conditions and busy intersections so that you can find another way to get to your destination safely.
Avoid riding in bad weather
Another important factor to consider to prevent a motorcycle accident is the weather. Avoid riding in extremely bad weather in conditions such as strong wind, heavy rain, and so on. However, in the case of an emergency or if you can’t postpone a responsibility so you must get to a place with bad weather, make sure you adapt your driving style to the circumstances and, of course, don’t drive fast and be cautious. Furthermore, make sure you wear appropriate safety gear for the weather so that you can face the challenges with ease and no worries about the cold.
Get your motorcycle checked often
No matter if you are a pro rider or a novice with a two-wheeler, you can’t predict the dangers that could occur on the road, but it is possible to do your best to prevent them by getting your motorcycle checked as often as possible. It would be best to get it professionally checked every month so that you can identify the lack of your vehicle and test it for potential hazardous malfunctions, but before you go for a regular ride, you must check it yourself. First of all, know your fuel capacity, check the oil, and last but surely not least, check your brakes to make sure they are properly functioning and tight enough.
The bottom line
Hitting the road with your shiny motorcycle can be the best feeling in the world. From the moment you put your helmet on to the one you arrive at your destination safely, riding is a thrilling experience, and, in fact, that’s why it is a passion for many. However, to make the most of your passion, it is crucial to prioritise your safety, so we hope this article makes you understand that prevention is better than cure and that taking a few moments to take safety measures can be life-saving.
