We all know that age-old statistic that
motorcycles are inherently
more dangerous than cars. Still that doesn’t stop
millions of
people around the world from jumping on one and
going for the
ride of their life!
As a seasoned rider with over 200,000 miles in 50+
countries under my belt, safety is my #1 priority
whenever I get on a motorcycle. Here are the top 5
safety tips I’ve learned over the years to help
keep
you safe on your next ride.
1. Defense is the best offense
I am able to dodge and avoid many dangerous
situations on the road by being a defensive driver
when I ride. The moment you start your ride you
should be on the lookout for road hazards like
gravel, trash, pedestrian crossings, bad drivers
and more. You should always leave plenty of room
between yourself and the vehicles in front of and
behind you. This will give you enough space and
time to react in case the unexpected happens.
Remember, most motorcycle accidents are caused by
other drivers.
2. Gear, be smart about it
Proper safety gear like a helmet, jacket, pants,
gloves and boots, are essential to keeping you
safe in the event of an accident. Bright gear
makes you more visible to other drivers, and
protective eye wear keeps your delicate eyeballs
safe and glued to the road. A good jacket, gloves
and boots will help keep you warm and dry while
protecting you from road debris, and can even
protect your skin in an accident. Wearing full
gear can also help boost rider confidence.
3. Know and choose the right bike for you
Everyone has a different skill level and goal when
it comes to riding. Riders get into trouble when
they buy more bike than they can handle. I have
seen riders on bikes where their feet don’t reach
the ground. How you want to use your bike is also
important to consider. A dirt bike with off-road
tires on a highway at high speeds is also not
ideal. It is important to consider both skill
level and where you will ride the bike when
picking one out. Things to think about: bigger
bikes are heavier so they will drive
differently; off-road tires are difficult in
corners; and high handlebars affect the stable
handling of the bike.
4. Making tough choices quickly
Your personal safety is in your own hands when you
ride. As a rider you should be prepared to make
smart choices when the unexpected happens. I
always assume the worst of other drivers when on
the road. I imagine they all have one eye covered
when they drive, so I never presume they will see
me as they merge or change lanes. Another
preventative technique is to place yourself in a
position where you have two different escape
points. An open space to both your left, and right
to merge into quickly at any given moment is
key.
If you find yourself in an uncomfortable or
dangerous position on the road sometimes
overtaking a vehicle or pulling over and letting
them pass is the best preventative measure to keep
you both safe. And finally, on the highway you are
statistically safer going with the flow of
traffic, so follow everyone else to stay safe.
5. Don’t get distracted and maintain your bike
The open road is indeed beautiful, but remember
traffic and obstacles are waiting around the
corner for you and you need a properly maintained
bike to stay safe. Be hyper aware of your
surroundings and constantly changing conditions.
Keep your eyes on the road when you ride. Ignore
distractions like your radio, cell phone, the
beautiful girl in the red convertible next to you,
and people staring at your bike as you fly by.
Make sure you do a visual inspection before you
jump on the bike. You should check that your turn
signals, brakes, headlight, tires and horn are in
working order before you take off every time. A
quick visual inspection to make sure all your
wires, cables, chains and components are in good
condition and where they need to be is also
important. This can help you prevent a catastrophe
when you are on the highway.
Whether you ride out for the weekend or just the
day, be sure to follow these 5 tips to make your
next ride as safe as possible.
