Motorcycle Riding Safety Tips

Safety First: Riding Your Motorcycle on the Road

One of the first signs of warmer weather is revving up your motorcycle’s engine for your first cruise down the open road. Regardless of your ride, make sure to keep safety in mind when heading out for your next adventure.  The motorcycle riding safety tips may help.

Make Sure that Other Drivers Can See You and Your Motorcycle

Visibility to other drivers must be a primary concern when you get ready to ride.  All vehicles must share the road, so make sure other drivers can see you. Accidents involving motorcycles are mainly due to the other driver’s inability to see the riders while there is still time to prevent the collision.

Avoid accidents with the following tips to increase your visibility to other drivers:

• Use available lighting and reflectors to be more visible.
• Be aware of other driver’s blind spots and stay clear of them.
• Stay away from large trucks.
• Use all your lights, during the daytime too.
• Dress to be seen, wear reflective, bright clothing, and always wear a helmet.

Check Weather Conditions Along Your Route

Even on stretches of open road, be aware of your surroundings.  Watch out for changing weather conditions. Check the weather at your destination before you set out on your adventure.

Motorcycle riders must stay alert.  Watch the road as well as the scenery, debris on the roadway can be far more dangerous for a motorcycle than a car. Practice safety first guidelines to stay safe.

Be on the lookout for:

• Older roads with loose gravel can cause unexpected slips and slides especially on corners and when braking.
• The tires on motorcycles cannot handle potholes and uneven roads as well as a car. Compensate accordingly, because a rough patch may be enough to cause your tire to blow out from friction between your tire and rim. Watch out for potholes and rough, cracked roads and steer clear of them if possible and reduce speed to preserve your wheels.
• Be cautious of puddles and water on the road, your motorcycle can hydroplane, so steer clear.
• As a smaller and faster vehicle on the road, wildlife might not be aware that you are headed their way. To avoid dangerous accidents, slow down and scan the road sides for approaching deer or other animals.

Don’t Take Chances or Let the Speed Thrill Go to Your Head

Safety first on a motorcycle means staying focused and alert always.  The thrill of the open road can encourage daredevil behavior, don’t take chances, or make split second decisions that put you and the other drivers at risk.  Here are some safety tips to help you stay safe:

• Avoid the need to slam on the brakes; slow down and be more aware of your surroundings, to preserve your bike’s front end suspension and to prevent damage to your tires.
• A steady speed is best for your motorcycle. Too much speed too fast can greatly reduce performance overall.
• Log in hours on your bike as a solo driver before you consider taking on a passenger.
• Avoid reckless driving, like weaving in and out of lanes.
• Keep your eyes on the road, and check mirrors and behind you often.
• Stop for a break if you are feeling drowsy, or you are not alert and focused.
• Keep the vehicles around you at a safe distance.
• Always keep your eyes on the road.

Stay Safe So You Can Keep Riding

Motorcyclists and other vehicle drivers all have the responsibility to share the road to ensure the safety of all travelers. While riding your motorcycle, make safety your priority by staying visible to other drivers, stay alert and focused on the road, and be aware of changing weather and the condition of the road. Mynor E. Rodriguez, P.C., and his team remind you to put safety first so you can enjoy many more adventures in the years ahead.  In the event you are in a motorcycle accident, contact Mynor Rodriguez today.