Tips For Avoiding Accidents Every Rider Should Know
Motorcycles are an affordable, efficient way to commute and explore, bringing exalting thrills to otherwise-dull car journeys. From wet leaves and spilled fluids that make the road surface perilous, to oblivious drivers that attempt to carve their own rules, the dangers that a motorcyclist is susceptible to on public roads are endless.
Motorcyclists are 22 times more likely to be involved in traffic accidents, and a staggering 27 times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident. Because none of us want to end up with road rash, or broken bones (despite ‘showing your scars’ becoming a pastime among biker comrades), being informed with proven methods to aid accident prevention will steer you away from danger and towards unforgettable moments on two wheels.
These Are 5 Tips For Avoiding Accidents You Should Know
- Wear protective gear
- Maintain your motorcycle
- Look where you want to go
- Never ride under the influence
- Keep a cool head
Wear Protective Gear
Ever heard the expression, ‘dress for the slide, not for the ride’, or, ‘all the gear, all the time’? Regardless of how careful, submissive or defensive a rider is on a motorcycle, some accidents occur that are completely out of our control. Gearing-up with quality protective clothing that has approved or certified armor is one of the wisest choices any rider can make.
Although motorcycle clothing can be expensive, and has the potential of making movement on-and-off the motorcycle ashamedly clumsy and cumbersome, the peace of mind that benefits the rider from dressing up like the Michelin Man for every ride will prevent severe injuries and provide greater confidence on the bike.
The most important clothing elements are the helmet, jacket, gloves and boots, and a rider should never ride without them. Various additional protective clothing options exist, many of which have been developed in motorcycle racing, from neck braces, back protectors, kidney belts, and elbow and knee pads – you can dress specifically for the circumstances you expect to encounter.
Maintain Your Motorcycle
The majority of traffic accidents involving motorcycles are the result of driver error, misjudgment, or driving under the influence; yet, surprisingly, there are instances where accidents have occurred due to mechanical faults with the motorcycle, or from running out of fuel in a precarious location.
Motorcycles require routine maintenance and the use of quality replacement parts in order to function correctly, safely, and to be able to deliver the caliber of riding pleasure the bike is capable of. Stay up-to-date with the service schedule and ensure any work is carried out by a professional, or you can do-it-yourself if you are competent.
Remember: Perform pre-ride checks before every ride to determine the function and condition of key components such as: brakes, tires, chain, lights and turn signals.
Look Where You Want To Go
Vision is an important part of riding a motorcycle, and a surprising amount of control stems from the way our eyes are used. To be aware and vigilant of the surroundings, practice briefly scanning your surroundings as you ride to spot signs of danger that might cause evasive action to be taken. Always try to look further down the street to spot obstacles earlier, pay attention to pedestrian crossings, stoplights and any other potential cause for concern.
During a sudden or startling event, focus on the clear space you wish to occupy, instead of objects you could hit, like trees, posts, or parked vehicles. Your body will adjust in accordance with your gaze, steering you to safety. Riders that become fixated on the hazard they wanted to avoid often fail to brake with sufficient time, or fail to take evasive action entirely, losing control of the motorcycle or colliding with the hazard.
Never Ride Under The Influence
Alcoholic drinks, recreational drugs and certain pharmaceutical drugs have dramatic and adverse effects on the body – ranging from problems with balance, vision, coordination, perception of speed, distance, and time respectively. Certain substances, like alcohol, can instill a warped sense of newfound confidence in a person’s abilities, which sadly leads to the deaths of many riders each year. If you’re going to drink, or take drugs, save it for after your day’s riding is finished.
Keep A Cool Head
The public roads can be chaotic at times, and with many of us coping with some degree of stress in our everyday adult lives, it should be expected that sometimes someone will lose their cool, and drive or act in a way that poses a risk to other motorists. During peak times, like rush hour in the cities when many people are already frustrated from slow-moving traffic, the driving experience becomes tense and stressful when one or more motorists lose their cool.
Motorcycling, especially in busier environments is immensely taxing on the brain, and needs our minds to be clear and focused to maximize personal safety. To avoid the possibility of developing “road rage”, refrain from riding if you’re feeling distressed, angry, overtired, emotional, confused, or suffering from any other kind of mental preoccupation that could affect your decision-making skills on the road.
