Avoiding Accidents on a Motorcycle
Tips to Help You Ride safely and Stay out of Trouble
Riding motorcycles can be a lot of fun, but it can be dangerous as well. Preparing yourself for some of the dangers is a great way to help prevent them from happening.
One of the biggest reasons people don't ride motorcycles is that they are simply afraid of having an accident and getting hurt, or worse, getting killed. While it's true that motorcycles are inherently dangerous, there are several things you as a rider can do to help avoid accidents. Most of the things you can (and should) do involve simply being aware of what is going on around you.
How to Stay Safer on a Motorcycle
- Ride assuming that you and your motorcycle are totally invisible to motorists. Do not be paranoid and think that they are all out to get you, just pretend they don't see you.
- Leave plenty of space in front and back and to the sides from all other vehicles. This is not always possible, but when you are forced to be close to other vehicles, you should always plan an "out."
- Anticipate trouble situations and know what to do when you see them. It's not always easy to know what to do, but if it's on your mind constantly, you will be better prepared to deal with trouble if it comes.
- Beware of motorists turning left in front of you at intersections. This is a leading cause of injuries to motorcycle riders. It is not always a case of not seeing you, sometimes it is a case of mis-judging the approach speed of the motorcycle.
- Slow down as your motorcycle enters an intersection and be prepared to make an evasive maneuver if necessary. Watch from the sides, up front for left-turning cars, and behind you.
- Never drink or take drugs and try to ride a motorcycle.
- Don't ride if you are on medication that makes you sleepy. Read all warning labels of any meds you are taking before riding to make sure it is safe to do so.
- Avoid riding at night, especially late Saturday night and early Sunday when drunken drivers may be on the road.
- Beware of riding your motorcycle into sun glare.
- Don't try to keep up with more experienced riders, even your friends. Know your personal limits.
- Beware of taking curves that you can't see around. A parked truck or a patch of sand may be awaiting you.
- Do not give in to road rage and try to "get even" with another rider or motorist.
- If someone is tailgating you, either speed up to open more space or pull over and let them pass. In motorcycle vs. automobile accidents, the motorcycle almost always loses.
Important Tips to Remember:
- Do not subscribe to the tactic of throwing something on the road behind you to warn a tailgater to back off.
- Take a motorcycle safety course to learn what to look for to avoid accidents.
- Wear protective clothing and a helmet in case you forget these tips and find yourself sliding across a concrete road on your backside.
Safely riding a motorcycle requires awareness and the ability to make instant decisions. Having some of these tips in mind while you ride will increase the likelihood of your being able to get yourself out of a situation that could otherwise be dangerous when faced unprepared.
