Motorbikes are a great way to move around the city and in other parts nearby. Aside from being relatively cheaper than cars and being more compact to drive around tight streets, motorbikes are also friendly on gas consumption. Of course, there are downsides to bikes as well.
One of the biggest downsides to motorbiking is that they are more prone to accidents as compared to cars. According to the most recent data, there were a total of 4,985 fatal motorbike crashes in 2018. The numbers have dropped considerably but still, it’s such a high number of fatalities.
Of course, the key to avoiding such accidents doesn’t have to be avoiding motorbikes all in all. You should instead take the right safety measures to ensure that you are safe on the road. Here are 7 motorbike safety tips that you need to know.
Always Wear Protective Gear
It’s a big mistake to drive without protective gear. It has been proven time and time again that helmets, knee pads, and elbow pads are effective when it comes to preventing injuries caused by motorbike accidents. As such, it’s vital that you always wear yours when taking your bike out for a ride.
You should also keep in mind that wearing protective gear is mandated by law in most states. When getting gear, we highly suggest investing more on your helmet. Get one that has been tested and proven effective against strong impact. Of course, get a helmet that has protective visors for your eyes as well.
It’s not exactly protective gear but you can buy gloves as well. This piece of equipment ensures that you have enough grip on your motorbike even when it rains.
Never Drive Near Large Trucks And Vehicles
As we’ve said, motorbikes are very compact vehicles. They can be easily seen through the side mirror of a regular-sized car but it’s tougher for truck drivers to see them especially when the motorbike is near the vehicle. As such, it’s important that you stay away from large trucks and vehicles.
Since they can’t see your motorbike if you are too near, you put yourself at risk of colliding with them if they make a sudden turn. Always remember that a truck driver’s line of sight is very limited so it’s always advisable to stay as far as possible from them.
Get A Good Windscreen
When the wind gets really strong, motorbikes are prone to being less stable. Due to their light and compact nature, even gusts of wind can fall a motorbike. One way to protect yourself and your motorbike from the wind is by getting a windshield.
A windshield can protect you from those strong winds through aerodynamics. Aside from that, motorcycle windscreens also protect you from other natural distractions on the road. These include rain, debris, and more. Additionally, windshields can make the ride feel smoother.
A motorcycle windshield can effectively reduce fuel consumption and reduce your fatigue from driving. This is because the windshield helps make your motorbike feel lighter as it goes against the wind. It’s one of the many amazing tools that you need to invest in for your motorbike.
Take Defensive Driving Classes
Defensive driving is basically a form of driving in which you do your best to avoid accidents. These are different from your regular driving classes. Defensive driving teaches you the right techniques to protect yourself – and others from serious accidents which are often fatal.
Defensive driving isn’t exactly taught in regular driving schools. It’s usually a separate course that you can avail. It’s available for car drivers and motorbike drivers too. Aside from practical techniques to help you become a safer driver, defensive driving is also about learning the principles and legal implications of safe driving.
By taking courses like these, you greatly reduce your risks of being involved in a serious motorbike accident that has already claimed the lives of thousands.
Always Check Your Ride Before Riding Out
Before you head out and ride your motorbike, it’s important that you do a thorough check on it first. Check the wheels for any foreign debris stuck to it. Check if the engine is running properly. Also, check if there’s anything wrong with the handlebars as well.
It should be a standard procedure but surprisingly, not a lot of people check their motorbikes up and down before they take it for a spin. Some motorbike accidents are caused by equipment failures or malfunctions too. As such, remediating these problems beforehand is a must.
Learn The Laws Of The Road
If you think you’ve already mastered road laws when it comes to driving cars, you need to think differently when it comes to motorbikes. Some states have very specific laws about motorbike driving and you need to learn about these as well. The good news is that there aren’t any outrageously different laws to follow.
Some of the common laws regarding motorbikes include wearing a helmet while riding, limiting the number of people that ride your motorbike, and of course, the speed limit. Keep in mind that these laws aren’t just there to regulate motorbikes, they’re also there to ensure your safety on the road as well.
Always Drive Sober
Whether you’re driving a bike, a car, or a motorbike, it’s important that you drive sober. Driving under the influence is not only a serious legal offense, it’s also one of the leading causes of fatal car and motorbike accidents.
If you don’t think you are fit to drive, simply take a cab home and then return for your motorbike the next day. Even better, simply drink within your limits. Driving drunk is especially more serious on a motorbike as it’s a vehicle that requires balance and coordination.
You should take motorbiking seriously. It’s not just your safety we are talking about, we’re also referring to the safety of innocent pedestrians as well as other drivers on the road as well. By following these tips above, you can significantly lower your risks of getting into a serious accident.