Quite possibly, one of the greatest rides of your life could be on
the back of a motorcycle. As the rider, you get to experience a free
spirit type of feeling on the open road with the wind in your hair. You
may even feel a certain confidence when traveling at top speeds, much
more so than you can feel in a car. But you must also understand that
motorcycle riding is among the most dangerous means of travel. You are
much more prone to injuries caused by other drivers and circumstances,
of which can cause great bodily harm and possibly even death. It is
important to know safety when riding motorcycles to help avoid
accidents. How safe is safe enough?
To begin with, you have to learn how to properly ride a motorcycle.
Obtaining the right training and familiarizing yourself with how to
ride, start, and balance the bike properly, as well as how to maneuver
in different driving conditions will help you be prepared for the
unexpected. Always be on the defensive when taking curves, too. Learn
how to anticipate what may be ahead in the road. Take note of anything
that could hamper your ability to safely operate your motorcycle. Be on
the defensive when it comes to other drivers. Other drivers do not pay
as much attention to motorcyclists as they should, so you being aware of
where they are can help avoid accidents. Maintain a safe driving
distance from all other vehicles. When riding, try to avoid road rage.
This is a common leading cause for accidents. Let others pass you if
need be, and always yield. When riding at night, take extra precautions.
Always ride with your lights on. If you can avoid night driving, it is
best to do so.
Just like if you were walking or riding a bicycle, you want to be
sure that you are wearing clothing that is conspicuous, especially at
night. Always wear a helmet and other protective gear, as well. Having a
good eye visor is also a good idea to shield your eyes from the
elements. You can also further protect your body by wearing clothing or
jackets that are specifically made for motorcycle riders. Wearing
comfortable footwear is also recommended.
It should go without saying that you should not ingest any illegal
drugs or drink alcoholic beverages when preparing to ride a motorcycle.
Doing so will only serve to cause an accident. Prescription medications
can also cause impaired judgment, so it is best to avoid riding when
having taken these, as well.
If the particular bike is not yours, you should not ride it. Riding a
bike that you are unfamiliar with may lead to severe crashes. Do not
try to impress others, as this could land you in the hospital or worse.
The overall key is that you must use common sense when riding a
motorcycle. Always understand what you are susceptible to and that you
do not have any more than minimal body protection when riding a cycle.
If you have been involved in a cycle accident, it is beneficial to
obtain a competent motorcycle lawyer to help you, whether you are the
victim or the cause of the crash. Having a competent lawyer at your side
will help greatly.