Riding a motorcycle is a thrilling experience, but understanding essential motorcycle safety tips is a necessary task before hitting the road.
Safe riding practices will help reduce the number of injuries and fatalities that are all too common on U.S. roads. Today, we’re sharing five of our best tips to ensure your safety as a motorcycle rider.
- Practice Operating Your Motorcycle
Given the fact that motorcycles vary in responsiveness, power, and handling, it’s a good idea to get accustomed to a new or unfamiliar bike in a secluded area first. Once you feel confident, you will be well-equipped to enjoy motorcycle rides wherever the roads may take you.
- Check Your Bike Before Each Ride
No matter where you are in the world, you should always check the following before riding:
- Tire pressure
- Tread depth
- Hand and foot brakes
- Headlights and signal indicators
- Fluid levels
- Signs of oil or gas leaks
We understand that life gets busy, but keeping your bike in tip-top shape will pay off in the long run.
- Wear Proper Gear
Now that you have prepared yourself to ride, be sure to wear proper protection as well. It may seem unnecessary at first, but protective gear could mean the difference between life and death in the case of an accident.
Here are some essential items you should not overlook:
- Proper footwear that covers toes and ankles
- Padded clothing, such as a motorcycle jacket and pants
- Leather riding gloves
- A DOT-certified helmet
- Always Wear a Helmet
A helmet is the single most crucial piece of safety gear a motorcyclist can wear. Studies have found that helmets reduce the risk of death by 37-42 percent in the event of a crash. As you select one, look for the DOT symbol on the outside of the back. This indicates that the helmet meets the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard. You should also make sure that the fit feels comfortable and secure.
- Ride Responsibly
One of the most critical motorcycle safety tips is always to ride responsibly. Full cooperation from all motorists is necessary to prevent accidents on our nation’s roads. Riding responsibly encompasses several points including, but not limited to:
- Obey all traffic laws, including lights, speed limits, lane markings, signals, etc.
● Don’t take risks and drive defensively as if other drivers cannot see you
● Always ride with the flow of traffic and leave plenty of room around you
● Proceed cautiously at intersections - Always yield to pedestrians
- Never operate your motorcycle under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Flickinger • Boulton • Robson • Weeks is Here for You in the Event of a Motorcycle Accident
Despite following motorcycle safety tips, accidents might still occur. If you find yourself in this situation, reach out to the experienced attorneys at Flickinger • Boulton • Robson • Weeks to review the best course of action. We can help you obtain your rightful compensation for any damages.
We have offices in Provo and South Jordan, Utah. Contact us to schedule your free case evaluation today.