Motorcycle accidents are some of the most tragic on the road. With a lack of protection from the actual vehicle, injuries can be horrific. On the other hand, motorcycles do have features such as excellent handling, tires that grip well and powerful breaks that help riders avoid accidents. Unfortunately, a rider may do everything in his or her power to avoid an accident, but still hurt by the negligence of another driver on the road.
In our next two posts we will discuss what motorcyclists can do to stay safe on the road. First, there are quite a few things that motorcyclists can do on their own to increase their safety. Taking basic riding courses in order to educate yourself on safety is a smart idea. It’s also important to consider what you are wearing. Although your gear may not necessarily prevent all possible injuries, it may allow you to be in better control of your bike and can also help other drivers see you better.
There are several scenarios in which your speed will make a world of a difference. For example, a rider may enter a corner too fast, which could make them lose control. A good rule to follow is “slow in, fast out.” Go into the turn slowly and then speed up once you are out of it. This can be especially helpful if you end up hitting gravel in a blind corner.
Another issue that some riders have is locking their front brake. One of the best ways to avoid doing this is practice. Get out into an empty parking lot and practice using your front break.
Finally, if the conditions are slippery, it’s important that you have good tires. The tires on a motorcycle perform surprisingly well in wet or sometimes even snowy conditions.
In our next post, we will discuss ways that a motorcyclist can try to avoid an accident when it is caused by the actions of another driver.
Related Posts: Debunking common myths related to motorcycle safety, Common causes of motorcycle accidents: Part 1, Does a helmet help in a motorcycle accident?, Motorcyclists killed in New York accident