When it comes to symbols of coolness, motorcycles haven’t lost their style. If you want a fast and exciting vehicle that makes you look like a 1950s matinee idol, a motorcycle is the way to go. However, like any other vehicle, you must exercise caution when operating one to avoid a devastating accident. Here are a few tips to safely ride your motorcycle around town.
1. Have the Right Gear
When you drive a car, you don’t need special attire. The same can’t be said for operating a motorcycle. A motorcycle rider is exposed to the elements and has a greater chance of hitting the pavement during a bump or accident. So make sure you always have your helmet, boots, gloves, and a riding jacket to protect you from harsh injuries during a crash.
2. Check the Bike Out
Would you drive a car if the brakes or lights were out or the tires looked deflated? More than likely not. So exercise the same caution before taking your bike out on the road. Make sure that your mirrors and lights are operational. Check the brakes to make sure they can stop when appropriate. Make sure your tires are properly inflated. If anything’s falling apart or giving you caution, take your bike to the shop.
3. Follow Traffic Rules
While driving a motorcycle may make you feel a little rebellious, save the rebellion for off the road. Once you’re operating that bike, you must follow the same traffic rules as any car or truck in traffic. When it comes to the speed limit, signaling turns, and avoiding tailgating, your motorcycle must operate in the same capacity. So when you take matters into your own hands and decide to wiz between cars, make illegal u-turns, and change lanes without signaling, you’re putting both yourself and, other drivers, and pedestrians in danger.
4. Avoid Distractions
People can get into an accident when they allow themselves to get distracted. It’s never a good idea to check social media, send text messages or eat food while operating a car, as both hands should be on the steering wheel. The same rules apply to your motorcycle. Both hands should be on your steering handles. When hungry, pull over to the side of the road or go into a place to eat, as opposed to trying to snack while steering your bike in traffic.
If you’re feeling tired or really upset, you might be mentally distracted and forget rules that would be second nature to follow. If you aren’t physically or mentally capable of operating your motorcycle, play it safe and call a taxi or Uber.
5. Keep Practicing
Successfully operating a motorcycle isn’t exactly the same as a car. Of course, you must follow the same rules of the road. However, you’re riding a two-wheel bike with different types of steering, and you even need a special license for a motorcycle separate from your regular driving license. Keep practicing as much as possible to become more skilled and confident. Start by taking a motorcycle safety course. Find an empty parking lot and ride around as much as possible as you practice shifting gears, braking, and making turns.
Riding a motorcycle should be fun, not a source of pain and tragedy. As a motorcycle driver, do what you can to operate your vehicle safely. Of course, no matter how safe you are, motorcycle accidents can still happen, especially when you’re dealing with other negligent drivers on the road. If you find yourself the victim of such an accident, get the right legal advice by calling your local motorcycle accident lawyers today.
