New to motorcycle riding? Stay safe by following the motorcycle safety tips listed in this post by Synthetic Motorsports in Perry.
Are you new to riding motorcycles and looking forward to hitting the road soon? It's an exciting and empowering experience that you'll surely enjoy. The feeling of wind in your hair and the engine's purr is unbeatable. Despite the perks, it's crucial to acknowledge the risks that come with riding.
According to the latest NHTSA reports, 5,932 motorists lost their lives in road crashes in 2021. This alarming statistic is a stark reminder of the risks of riding bikes.
As you know, motorcycles offer little protection in a crash. Moreover, these agile, small vehicles are less visible than cars and trucks on the road. Considering all those risks, taking the necessary precautions to stay safe while riding is the best thing you can do. In order to help you out, this post has put together the most effective motorcycle safety tips. So, let's dive right in!
Step one is to enroll in a certified motorcycle safety course. Getting professional instruction is key to gaining essential riding skills and defensive techniques. But it doesn't stop there. You'll also learn about proper bike maintenance and the traffic laws that apply specifically to them. And here's the exciting part: completing a course can help you get a license, which proves that you can safely operate a bike on public roads.
Wear the Right Safety Gear
Another good tip is to wear protective equipment approved by the Department of Transportation (DOT). This includes a snug-fitted helmet that meets their standards. You should also wear a strong jacket, pants, gloves, and boots with ankle support. These will help protect you if you fall or have an accident.
To make yourself even more visible to other drivers, wear reflective gear or clothing that is brightly colored. This will help them see you better and reduce the risk of them not noticing you on the road.
Check Your Bike before Each Ride
Checking your bike before every ride is vital to ensure a safe and reliable ride. When you inspect it, look at the tires, brakes, lights, and mirrors to ensure they work well. Check the controls to make sure they are working too. Look at the chain, sprockets, and belts to see if they are worn out. Also, check the fuel and oil levels and ensure all the fluids are at the right levels. Finally, start the motorcycle and listen for any strange sounds before you start your ride.
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Stay Alert and Minimize Distractions
Keeping an eye on the road and your surroundings is crucial to riding safely. Thus, avoiding distractions such as using your phone or adjusting the radio is best. By staying alert, you will be able to recognize potential hazards and thus avoid accidents.
Ride Defensively
Our next safety tip is to practice a defensive riding style. This means you should be preventive and ready for potential hazards. To that end, keep a safe distance from the vehicles ahead so you have enough time to react if something happens. Ensure to be visible by wearing bright or reflective clothing and using your motorcycle's lights. When turning or changing lanes, signal your intentions to other drivers. All in all, being defensive and alert can help you stay safe on the road.
Ride within Your Limits
As a new rider, knowing and riding within your limits is essential. With that in mind, don't try to do things that are too difficult for you, and ride at a safe and comfortable speed. Practice in different situations and gradually push yourself to get better at riding. Take your time and build up your skills and confidence step by step.
Be Mindful of Road Conditions
Lastly, paying attention to the road condition you're riding on is essential. Different road surfaces can be tricky for motorcycles. Be careful when the road is wet, slippery, has gravel, potholes, or is uneven. Slow down if needed and hold onto the handlebars firmly.