Motorcycle riding is more than an extreme sport; it’s a way of life. There are very few things that can compare to the combined pleasures of feeling the wind on your face, listening to your favorite music, and earning an income simultaneously. Unfortunately, being on a motorcycle means that you are your vehicle. It is the ultimate liberation and the absolute thrill of riding, but it also means that there are no airbags to protect you in case of an accident. If things go wrong, you will feel every jolt of the road as it hits your body with many times more force than you would in a car.
So how do you stay safe? Here are some tips from trained motorcyclists on how to ride as safely as possible:
Get Insured
This is the number one thing you can do to protect yourself. If something happens, you will need full coverage insurance for your motorcycle. This will help cover the cost of any damages or medical expenses and pay for a rental car if necessary. If an accident happens in Georgia, you can contact a Columbus motorcycle accident attorney to help you with your insurance company. The lawyer will ensure that your rights are protected and receive full payment for any damages or injuries.
Learn When to Pull Over
Riding is fun, but not when trying to navigate through heavy city traffic or busy highways. If possible, always plan and map out the route you want to take in advance. If you absolutely must pull over for any reason, slow down gradually by easing off the gators rather than using the brakes. Never pull over onto the shoulder of the road unless it is an emergency. Instead, look for a safe place to take a break or have something to eat, so you are not tempted to fall asleep at the wheel.
Check Your Speedometer
One of the best ways to stay safe on a motorcycle is to slow down and pay attention to the road. Ohio takes reckless driving very seriously, especially when speeding or driving under the influence. You can avoid accidents by having a clear head and following all traffic laws to the letter. If you hit someone because you were going too fast, you will be liable for damages to both you and the other party. Save some money on speeding tickets by slowing down when necessary.
Ride Defensively
No matter what anyone tells you, motorcycles are not invincible. They are smaller than cars, so it is more difficult to see them coming. Do whatever you can to protect yourself. Always ride with your headlights on, no matter the time of day. Wear bright colors so that other drivers can see you coming. If possible, try to avoid riding in the dark. More importantly, never assume that other drivers will see you or slow down for you. Just because they have two eyes does not mean they know how to use them responsibly on the road.
Learn the Right Way
There is more to riding a motorcycle than just hopping on and going. Motorcycles can be temperamental in certain moods, so it’s essential to learn how to start it up smoothly and ride without stalling. Once you are on the road, it’s also necessary to know how to maneuver. Turns and swerves can happen fast and all of a sudden, so it’s important for riders to be aware of their surroundings at all times. You should always keep your eyes open and look ahead as much as possible while riding in case you need to move out of the way of something.
Practice Makes Perfect
Motorcycles are loud and can be hard to handle with even the best experience. A massive mistake that novice riders make is thinking they’re ready for life’s freeways right away. It would help if you practiced on smaller roads at first, allowing you to get a feel for the turns before taking on the bigger roads. Even once you get the hang of it, it’s still important to always practice if your skills start to deteriorate after long periods of not riding.
Take a Motorcycle Training Course
Many community colleges and large companies offer these to help riders learn the best way to handle their bikes. You may find that you are not as experienced as you think, especially after a long period of not riding. Someone who has never ridden before should start with classes until they feel confident to head out independently. Even once you have experience under your belt, taking refresher courses now and then can help you stay sharp on the road.
A motorcycle can be a fun way to get around town or take off on the weekends for some adventure. Knowing how to ride one properly is important before hopping onto one for the first time. Always follow traffic laws and ride defensively whenever possible. This way, you’ll manage to avoid situations that could put others at risk or cause damage to your motorcycle. You cannot predict when an accident will happen, but the more you know, the better you will be off if one ever does.