Top 10 Safety Tips...
1.) Assume Other Drivers Can Not See You: Ride assuming that you and your motorcycle are totally invisible to others. That means Don't Ever assume that drivers can see you. Because the odds are, they can not, so remember that yourself and always have an "out" for dangerous situations. Motorcycle Safety depends on you.
2.) Maintaining A Safe Distance: Leave a lot of room in front, in back and to the sides from all other motorists. Isolate yourself and stay away from other vehicles as much as possible. By doing this, you will have more visibility and more time to react to bad situations!
3.) Always Anticipate Trouble: Anticipating trouble situations and knowing what to do when you see them. Pay close attention to what other vehicles are doing and try to predict the outcome. Then make sure know what to do and how to do it to avoid an accident. Always be ready!
4.) Beware of Oncoming Vehicles Turning Left: Beware of oncoming travelers turning left in front of you at intersections. This is the leading cause of death with motorcycle riders. I have personally lost many friends to this accident. If you only remember one tip here, let it be this one. Approach intersections with caution, slow down and have an escape route planned. Stay visible, keeping your safe distance. Position your bike so it can be seen by the left turner. Eye contact is not enough!
5.) Ride At Your Own Pace: Don't try to keep up with your friends who may be more experienced, or like to travel at faster speeds! Know your personal limits. If you are not comfortable riding at a faster pace, then ride at a speed at which you do feel safe. Ride your own ride.
6.) Use Extreme Caution When Approaching Curves: Beware of taking curves that you can't see around. A parked truck or a patch of sand may be awaiting you.
7.) Don't Give In to Road Rage: Do not allow yourself to have road rage and try to "get even" with another rider or motorist. If you follow these tips, most likely you won't fall victim to road rage. It's better to calm down, slow down, and collect your thoughts first, pull off the road if you have to. Then continue on and enjoy the ride. That's what we are all out there for in the first place.
8.) Don Not Allow Tailgating: If someone is tailgating you, either speed up to allow for more safe distance or pull over and let them pass. Life is too short. Remember that a motorcycle can stop faster than a vehicle so you don't want a truck on your tail when you find yourself trying to slow down to avoid an accident. Also, don't tailgate the vehicle in front of you. Oncoming drivers can not see you if you are to close to the car in front of you!
9.) Don't Be Blinded By Sun Glare: Always have protective eye ware available. Beware of riding your motorcycle into sun glare. All it takes is turning a corner and finding the sun either directly in your face or passing straight through your windshield. Some helmets have shields to block the sun. Face shields help somewhat. But sometimes you just find yourself blinded by the light. Slow down, pull over, shield your eyes and look for a way to change direction.
10.) Avoid Riding At Night Time: Avoid riding at night, your chances of spotting an animal getting ready to run across the road are slim to none. Also avoid night trips, especially late Saturday night and early Sunday, when drunken drivers may be on the road. It goes without saying that you shouldn't drink and ride. Going bar hopping? Leave the bike at home and find a designated driver.
What Am I Trying To Say About Motorcycle Safety?
The best way to be safe is to take a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) course to learn the basic ways to control your motorcycle and to learn how to recognize traffic situations that you need to be ready to handle.
Always wear protective clothing and a helmet. Always have your head light on to help other motorists see you, even during day time!
Maintain your bike so it is safe too. Keep records of the intervals when you replace tires, chains, clutch cables, batteries, brakes, etc. You don't want an equipment malfunction to contribute to a motorcycle accident.
Practice riding under all kinds of traffic situations. Ride with a friend if at all possible. Avoid riding great distances alone.
Become a member of some motorcycle forums and read what other experienced riders have to say about how to ride safely.
I want you to become an aged motorcyclist because you know how to survive on a motorcycle. I don't want to read about you in the newspaper or on a motorcycle forum or mailing list as yet another motorcycle statistic. Learn how to be safe and responsible on a motorcycle.
Ride Safe My Fellow Motorcycle Enthusiast.
For more motorcycle safety tips, learning how to ride, and for all your motorcycle protective gear go to: http://www.cheapmotorcyclegear.org
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