This Is How to Stay Safe When Riding a Motorcycle
Owning a motorcycle can be a very special feeling but sadly, motorcycle accidents make up a sobering portion of fatal traffic crashes. In 2019 alone, there were 5,014 motorcyclist deaths in the United States.
The good news is, there are many ways to stay safe while riding a motorcycle. From the right motorcycle accessories to getting prepared with a safety course before even hitting the road. Learn all about your motorcycle safety options in this full guide on how to stay safe when riding a motorcycle.
Take a Motorcycle Safety Course
The right safety course teaches you the rules of the road specifically while riding a motorcycle. Riding requires both mental and physical fortitude and even if you’ve mastered how to ride a motorcycle, there are still many skills you can build on to become a safer rider.
If you’re a complete beginner, a safety course can also be done even before you’ve purchased your motorcycle and it can be a good way to make sure owning a motorcycle is right for you. Don’t have much time? Consider the convenience of an online course that you can take at your own pace.
Check the Weather Forecast
Bad weather can really spoil a ride you’ve been planning and turn a usually easy ride into a dangerous one within seconds. The hazards of icy or wet roads are no joke when you’re on two wheels instead of four.
Lack of visibility is known as a rider’s worst nightmare. Getting caught on your motorcycle in the rain while being pelted by raindrops at 50 miles per hour can seriously hurt. Avoid any potential incidents by checking the weather forecast before venturing out for the day.
Inspect Your Ride
Even the most experienced of riders can sometimes overlook this important pre-ride step. Before getting on your motorcycle, an easy motorcycle safety tip is to check your bike to ensure it is as safe as possible.
Checks should include your headlights, taillights, brakes, turn signals, tire pressure, fuel, oil, mirrors, handlebars, and horn. If you’re in a hurry, take a quick walk around your bike to check for any leaks, loose bolts, or other potential mechanical hazards.
Wear Motorcycle Gear
While it might seem easy to just jump on your bike and not think too much about what to wear, using the right motorcycle gear could mean the difference between a disastrous accident and you getting up and walking away unscathed.
Motorcycle gear will protect you from road rash, debris, and the elements. Gear to consider include a leather jacket, leather pants or chaps, and a helmet, like the popular skull helmets found at https://americanlegendrider.com/collections/skull-helmets-motorcycle.
Keeping Safe While Riding a Motorcycle
Now that you’ve got some essential motorcycle safety tips, it’s time to put them into action. Riding a motorcycle can be thrilling and there’s nothing better than feeling that sense of freedom while riding on an open road but it’s always better to be more prepared than not. Keep reading about all things motorcycles in our Auto section for more tips and advice.