Motorcycles are an unquestionably exciting, cool, and fuel-efficient way to transport. However, riding a motorcycle can be pretty risky. According to the Institute of Insurance Information, it’s around 30 times more likely to get seriously hurt when driving a motorcycle than driving a car.
In fact, an estimated average of 600 fatal motorcycle accidents per year happen in California only, making it the state with the largest number of fatal motorcycle crashes. But fatal bike crashes are rare compared to everyday non-fatal crashes that can cause you great health and financial harm and require legal protection to get fairly reimbursed when someone else causes you such problems. For that reason, if you’re riding your motorbike in your hometown of Sacramento and encounter a non-fatal roadway accident, it’s essential to have the best Sacramento motorcycle accident lawyer by your side to guide you through the legal process and successfully protect your rights and positions in the accident.
Nonetheless, many dedicated riders can avoid accidents and enjoy their motorcycles without incident, but their success is based on adhering to basic motorcycle safety procedures. So, as a result, here are some methods to maintain your motorcycle journeys incident-free and ensure you stay on the safe side of motorcycling.
This is the most important thing you can do to keep yourself and others safe on the road. You should never drink and ride a motorcycle, or any other vehicle for that matter. Motorcycles are especially dangerous because they are less stable than a car, as the lack of doors, roofs, and airbags makes them more dangerous if you get into an accident.
Statistics show that distracted driving because of alcoholism is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents, with over 3,000 deaths occurring every year in the state. So, if you’re out for the night and you’re riding a motorcycle home, you can sip on some delicious, non alcoholic champagne and enjoy the night in a responsible, safe manner.
Getting on your bike isn’t all about looking cool, contrary to common assumption, because a T-shirt, shorts, and sandals are not appropriate motorcycle wear, no matter how hot it is outdoors. Even wearing jeans provides only a crumb of protection against injuries and road rash. On the other hand, reinforced pants and jackets, leathers, and boots are the fabrics you would want to wear to stay extra protected during your motorcycle ride, along with gloves to protect your hands.
Additionally, it’s undoubtedly mandatory that you wear a DOT-approved helmet when riding, however, if you happen to have an open-faced helmet, you must wear goggles or glasses. In hot temperatures, there is special equipment built for cooling and ventilation.
Furthermore, incorporating reflective elements into your gear and ride, such as reflective strips or accents on your graphic decals for Yamaha dirt bikes, can greatly enhance your visibility, especially during low-light conditions.
The perils of wet or snowy roads magnify when you’re on two wheels, and the weather is a constant foil to great driving conditions since not only are you exposed to rain due to the lack of a windshield, but you’re also having less than half the stability of a car.
Lack of visibility is a rider’s worst nightmare, and you’ll never appreciate how much being pummeled by raindrops at 50 or even 30 miles per hour hurts unless you’ve been caught on your bike in the rain.
Everyone loves to ride on the back of a motorcycle. However, you must ensure that you are familiar with your companion and understand how to contribute to keeping the ride safe, so it’s best advised to confirm that your passenger has the proper equipment just as you do.
They’ll need protective gear, a helmet, and the proper footwear. You should also ensure that your company understands when you turn curves or need to stop. Before approaching the open road or the hectic city traffic, it could be a good idea to do a test run together in a safe location like a parking lot.
It doesn’t make it any easier to spot other motorcycles just because you’re riding one, so when turning or changing lanes, always double-check and slow down, along with practicing braking beforehand in a variety of conditions.
Always leave additional space for vehicles in front of you and know how to stop on a dime without locking your brakes to ensure that a quick stop does not result in catastrophe. In reality, purchasing any anti-lock brakes beforehand might be a good idea.
Jumping on your motorcycle in an improper state of mind is one of the most dangerous things a rider can do. As a result, riding irritated, tired, or preoccupied might lead to a colossal disaster. Instead, remember that when you’re riding a motorcycle, you’re the only person on the road watching out for you. So, If your thoughts and emotions aren’t focused on the road ahead, you’re more likely to make novice mistakes that could result in a crash, injuries, or worse.
Ultimately, always drive as if you’re representing all motorcycle riders when you’re on the road. Accordingly, ride with caution, courtesy, awareness, civility, and care for those around you. When it’s all said and done, it comes down to this: know your bike, wear your gear and know your limits. Even though you might have no control over your surroundings, bear in mind that you do have control over how you react to them.
