Last Updated on February 5, 2024 by John Robinson
Motorcyclists face many risks when on the road. According to NHTSA studies, motorcycle riders are much more likely than vehicle drivers to die or be seriously injured in an accident. Here are six important precautions to take before riding a motorcycle to help protect themselves while on the road.
Wearing a Helmet
When it comes to motorcycle safety, wearing a helmet is the most important thing you can do. Helmets are required by law in many states, and for good reason – they can save your life.
As stated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, helmets are far more effective in reducing fatal motorcycle injuries. That means that if you wear a helmet every time you ride, your chances of dying in a crash are reduced by more than a third.
In addition to reducing your risk of death, wearing a helmet can also help protect you from other serious injuries. You might pose the question – are motorcycle helmets effective in preventing brain injury, and the answer is yes! A good helmet can absorb the force of an impact, which can help reduce the severity of injuries to your head and brain.
If you don’t currently wear a helmet when you ride, make it a priority to do so. Not only is it the law in some states, but it could also save your life so it should always be the first thing on your checklist when hitting the road!
Having a Motorcycle License
To ride a motorbike safely, you must first get a motorcycle license. To obtain this license, in almost any state, you must properly prepare for and pass both the written and practical exams, demonstrating that you are ready to drive.
The written test will cover the basic rules of the road, such as traffic signs, signals, and lane markings. The practical test will require you to demonstrate your ability to ride safely in different traffic situations.
Inspecting Your Bike
When you’re getting ready to go for a bike ride, there are a few things you should always do before you hit the road. These are simple steps that can help you avoid any accidents or problems while you’re out biking.
The first thing you should always do is inspect your bike. Make sure that the frame is in good condition, and that all of the screws and bolts are tight. Check the brakes and the gears, and make sure that they’re working properly. If there are any problems with your bike, now is the time to fix them.
Planning Your Route
Motorcycles are a great way to travel. They’re efficient, economical, and a lot of fun. But before you take your bike on the open road, it’s important to plan your route.
The first step is to figure out your end destination. Once you know where you’re going, you can start plotting the best route to get there. You’ll want to take into account things like elevation changes, curves, and wind direction. You’ll also want to make sure you have enough gas to make the trip.
Obeying the Traffic Laws
People who ride motorcycles might often face challenges on the road. One of the most important is obeying traffic laws. Many motorcycle accidents occur when riders fail to obey the law.
Some of the most common traffic laws that motorcycle riders should obey are:
- Wearing a helmet
- Obeying the speed limit
- Riding in the same direction as traffic
- Stopping at stop signs and red lights
- Using turn signals
If you follow these simple guidelines, you can help keep yourself safe while riding your motorcycle.
Riding Sober
No matter how experienced a motorcyclist you are, riding sober is always the best policy. When you’re under the influence, your ability to make good decisions is compromised. That can lead to disastrous consequences while riding, such as:
- Failing to see and react to hazards in time
- Making poor choices that could result in a crash
- Not being able to properly control your bike
If you’re caught riding while impaired, you will likely lose your license, and could even face jail time. So please, don’t take the risk – ride sober every time and make no compromises when your safety and the safety of others are at stake.
Riding a motorcycle can be a great way to get around, but it can also be dangerous. If you’re not careful, you can end up in a serious accident. This article listed six precautions all motorcyclists should take before hitting the road. If you’re planning to ride a motorcycle, make sure you follow the advice listed here.