Riding a motorcycle can be pretty dangerous. You need to have control of your two-wheeler and pay attention to your surroundings at all times. It may not completely eliminate the risk of accidents, but it will significantly decrease it.
Since you do not have seat belts or airbags to keep you safe in case of an accident like cars do, you should always do everything in your power to avoid the risk of injuries or life-threatening situations. The good news is that we’ve prepared a few tips that can keep you safe during your motorcycle journey, reducing the likelihood of crashes.
1. Don’t Ride Between Parked Cars or Active Traffic
Motorcycles are smaller, so they can more easily fit into tighter spaces. This makes many motorcycle riders think that it’s a good idea to ride between active traffic or parked cars.
However, this is more dangerous than you can imagine. There is always a possibility of a car pulling out in front of you, making you crash into it, or a driver opening his or her car door, causing you to ride straight into it. Even more, pedestrians could always step out, not giving you enough time to reduce your speed and avoid a bad incident.
Never ride between parked cars or active traffic.
2. Stop Going Fast
Yes, yes, we know – most of the excitement associated with motorcycle rides comes from the speed you can achieve during your journeys. It’s a unique feeling and it gives you freedom. But you shouldn’t trade a few seconds of pleasure for your life.
As you probably know, speed makes it harder for you to control the vehicle, particularly when unexpected obstacles appear. If you go fast, you may hit the brakes when you panic, or you may not see a turn and enter a corner too fast, which could be dangerous and even deadly if you don’t know what’s in your way.
Ideally, you should only travel at speeds that offer you enough time to react accordingly in case of a surprise. And if the weather is bad, then it’s even more important to slow down.
3. Always Be Aware of Hazards
Not all roads are the same, so while you may have a smooth journey on one road, the next one may be filled with obstacles. Being aware of road hazards on the road can help you stay safe and avoid accidents or damage.
Debris and potholes are very common road hazards. Debris, such as branches or rocks, can lead to accidents if you hit them. As for potholes, they can not only lead to loss of control of the two-wheeler but can also cause significant damage.
Reckless drivers are also a very common potential hazard, and this is because they can exist anywhere. Some drivers are distracted or aggressive, so you should always be on the lookout. Lastly, pay attention to the weather too – bad conditions can increase the danger.
4. Use Proper Gear
Never go on a motorcycle journey without being properly equipped. You should wear a protective helmet, but also long pants and sleeves made of leather or another protective material. Furthermore, you should have some durable boots and gloves too.
5. Don’t Forget About Maintenance
Motorcycle maintenance should always be on your list, even if your bike works perfectly and it does not have any visible damage. Performing regular maintenance should decrease the risk of a crash.
So, when doing maintenance, you should have your tires, brakes, engine, turn signals, and headlamps checked.
6. Don’t Let Yourself Become Distracted
Your mind may frequently wander, and while there’s nothing wrong with daydreaming at times, it can be dangerous and even fatal if done while riding a motorcycle. At all times, you should focus on the road and your motorcycle, because otherwise you would be distracted. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of vehicle crashes and it often leads to death.
Make sure you stay focused at all times.
7. Don’t Share a Lane with Another Car
Sharing a lane with a car is always a bad idea. The driver may not look for you or see you because he or she will probably not expect to share the lane, to begin with. So, it can quickly become a disaster.
Final Thoughts
Back in 2020, 5,579 motorcyclists died in accidents. Also, compared to 2019, the number of motorcycle-related deaths increased by 11%. If you live in Virginia and you’ve been involved in a motorcycle crash, you should seek legal help immediately. Reach out to a Virginia Beach motorcycle accident lawyer right away.
