Prevention in the realm of road safety is a game-changer as it can quite literally save lives. Reports<\/a> by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration state that there has been a spike in the number of motorcycle-related deaths over the last 10 years.<\/p>\n Furthermore, according to the Information Insurance Institute, in 2018, about 36,560 motorcyclists<\/a> died in traffic accidents. Compared to 2017, the number went down by 2.4%.<\/p>\n Nonetheless, motorcyclists are regarded as traffic participants with the most susceptibility to grisly road accidents. Therefore, it comes as no surprise then that laws have been enforced to enhance motorcycle safety.<\/p>\n For instance, in states that lack the universal helmet laws<\/a>, 57% of the motorcyclists<\/a> who died in 2017 weren\u2019t wearing helmets<\/a> compared to 8% in states with these laws. Furthermore, helmets saved about 1870 lives in 2017. <\/p>\n In a nutshell, yes! Motorcyclists engage in riskier activity compared to car drivers.<\/p>\n Motorcycles<\/a> and cars inherently share similarities. For instance, they can be equally powerful, travel fast, and drive on the same roads. However, a few differences make motorcycles more dangerous.<\/p>\n For starters, they have two wheels rather than four, which means a rider\u2019s skills, balance, and quick reflexes play a crucial role. Secondly, they ride out in the open instead of inside the steel cage of a car frame.<\/p>\n While the resulting sense of freedom makes motorcycles alluring to many people, it comes with immense risk. Thirdly, motorcycles hide in plain sight, increasing their likelihood of being hit by other drivers. Lastly, with the absence of a vehicle\u2019s structural safety, a motorcycle involved in a crash is more likely to incur fatal or adverse injuries.<\/p>\n Nonetheless, some aspects can mitigate this risk. Not surprisingly, statistics<\/a> show that wearing a helmet is one of the most essential safety measures that a rider can take to ensure their motorcycle safety.<\/p>\n However, only 19 states, along with the District of Columbia<\/a>, have mandated the universal helmet laws. While wearing a helmet can make all the difference, any seasoned motorcyclist will be quick to tell you that the key to staying alive and in one piece ultimately boils down to smarts and skill. <\/p>\n We\u2019ve rounded up a few ways to enjoy your motorcycle rides without compromising your safety.<\/p>\n Contrary to popular belief, looking cool should be the last thing on your mind when it comes to getting on your motorcycle. Regardless of how hot it is outside, more so, when the sweltering summers roll around, sandals, shorts, and a T-shirt are inappropriate riding attire.<\/p>\n Jeans also offer little protection against road rash and injury if you happen to be in a motorcycling accident. You should opt for unrivaled protection with reinforced or leather boots, trousers, or jackets<\/a>.<\/p>\n Goggles or glasses<\/a> are a must-have for open-faced helmets<\/a>, and gloves<\/a> are an ideal option to protect your hands. There\u2019s also uniquely-designed gear that\u2019s ideal for cooling and ventilation in warm weather.<\/p>\n As a rule of thumb, avoid riding without a DOT-approved helmet regardless of how unsightly it looks, as it could mean the difference between life and death.<\/p>\n Before hopping on your bike and speeding off to your destination, give it a thorough once-over. It entails checking out the lights, tire pressure, and mirrors. In doing so, you\u2019ll notice if there are potential mechanical hazards such as leaks and loose bolts.<\/p>\n You need to be diligent when it comes to regular maintenance and care by staying on top of tire wear, suspension and chain adjustments, brake pad wear, and oil changes.<\/p>\n Being on a motorcycle doesn\u2019t automatically make it easier to spot other bikes on the road. Therefore, along with hitting the brakes in all sorts of riding conditions, always double-check when turning or switching lanes.<\/p>\n To ensure that a quick stop won\u2019t result in a grisly road accident, always give ample room to the cars ahead of you and master the art of stopping on a dime without locking the brakes. Alternatively, you can advance to anti-lock brakes.<\/p>\n Research<\/a> by the IIHS shows that ABS brakes on your motorcycle can lessen the likelihood of being in a tragic road accident by up to 37%.<\/p>\n Without a doubt, motorcycles are typically regarded as second class road citizens or overlooked. However, as a rider, you can change the narrative by always driving as though you\u2019re an ambassador for motorcyclists worldwide.<\/p>\n Ride with awareness, care, and courtesy that you\u2019re a great representation of motorcycles for those around you. Don\u2019t let the urge to prove a point by retaliating against a reckless driver to overcome your better judgment. After all, it puts a damper on the joy of riding.<\/p>\n Are you aware that one of the most common phrases drivers say after a collision with motorcyclists is, \u201cI did not see them?\u201d A driver is trained to keep their eyes peeled for other cars, not bikes. As a result of a rider\u2019s narrow profile, they usually find themselves in a car\u2019s blind spot.<\/p>\n Therefore, the best way to overcome this is to ride defensively. It entails assuming that you\u2019re invisible by constantly scanning your mirrors, glancing around you, and being on high alert when you\u2019re on the road.<\/p>\n Given that weather is a regular foil to ideal driving conditions, the safety hazard of icy or wet roads increases when you\u2019re on two wheels. You have the absence of a windshield, direct exposure to driving rain, and half the stability of a vehicle working against you.<\/p>\n Poor visibility is a biker\u2019s worst nightmare, and until rain finds you on your bike, you\u2019ll never fathom the pain that stems from being pelted by raindrops at 30 or 50 miles per hour.<\/p>\n One of the greatest dangers to riders is hopping on your bike and cruising on the road in the wrong state of mind. Riding when you\u2019re drowsy, deep in thought, or distracted can be a recipe for disaster. <\/p>\n Keep in mind that you\u2019re ultimately the only one looking out for you when you’re on a motorcycle. Therefore, if your emotions and mind are anywhere other than on the road, you\u2019re highly vulnerable to rookie mistakes that can end in adverse injuries or, worse, death.<\/p>\n As a rider, you need to keenly watch the road you\u2019re riding on. When swerving, err on the side of caution by being vigilant for unstable road conditions, including gravel. Don\u2019t throw caution to the wind when crossing railroad tracks as the paint may be slippery. The same applies to the white lines found at every stoplight.<\/p>\n Granted, the mirrors on a motorcycle serve a purpose. However, it\u2019s not practical to solely depend on them for awareness of your immediate riding surroundings. You\u2019ll need to use your head to keep mindful of your position concerning your surroundings and those around you.<\/p>\n Seasoned bikers understand the importance of keeping their eyes and head up while rounding corners. They also understand that the safest way of switching lanes involves turning your head and looking over your shoulder to ensure the coast is clear. Furthermore, you\u2019ll get a feeling for whether other drivers are paying attention to you.<\/p>\n Know your abilities and ensure that you don\u2019t bite off more than you can chew when it comes to your selected route and motorcycle. Your bike should be a snug fit for you, meaning that your feet should comfortably touch the ground (no tiptoes) when you\u2019re seated.<\/p>\n Moreover, it\u2019s a no-brainer that if the bike feels overly heavy and bulky for you, then it probably is. To effortlessly get on and off your bike, the controls and handlebars should be easy to reach.<\/p>\n As a rule of thumb, the more familiar you are with a route, the easier it is for you to focus more on safety and worry less about missing a turn. Additionally, if you\u2019re riding with a group of bikers, avoid pushing yourself to keep up with the pack. Always ride at your comfort level, rather than theirs.<\/p>\n While motorcycles are generally hazardous or unsafe, implementing the tips discussed above, the chances of being involved in a motorcycle accident are slim. Remember, as a biker, you have no control over what happens around you. However, you certainly possess the power to control how you react to everything, so ride with courtesy, awareness, and care.<\/p>\n Here are the concise answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding the best motorcycle tips. <\/p>\n A few things to avoid while riding a motorcycle include changing gears during an overtaking maneuver because it can be fatal, accelerating inside a corner entry, and forcing a fall down in a corner as you lose traction and crash. You should also avoid treating roads like racetracks by competing with other drivers. <\/p>\n Photo Credit: BestBeginnerMotorcycles.com<\/a><\/p>\n Apply brakes progressively until you\u2019re on the verge of losing traction. As you\u2019re coming to a halt, remember to un-lean the motorcycle as it\u2019s nearly impossible to brake as hard when you\u2019re leaned over rather than when straight up.<\/p>\n Although they account for 14% of all crash-related fatalities, motorcycles are only 3% of the vehicles on the road. Reports show that bikers are 28 times more likely to die in a road accident than passengers in a vehicle. Furthermore, over 80% of motorcycle crashes, resulting in adverse injuries or death. <\/p>\n It\u2019s a motorcycle acronym for \u2018All the Gear All the Time\u2019 as a biker’s commitment to practice wearing protective gear and clothing every time they are on the road. <\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/speedymoto.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/motor-tips.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/span><\/p>\nWhy Is Motorcycle Safety Important?<\/h2>\n
Is Riding a Motorcycle More Dangerous Than Driving a Car?<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/speedymoto.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/bikers-wearing-masks-new-normal-lifestyle.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/span><\/p>\nMotorcycle Safety Tips<\/h2>\n
Gear Up<\/h3>\n
Safety Checks<\/h3>\n
Hit The Brake For Motorcycles<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/speedymoto.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/motorcyclist-wear-leather-jacket-sitting-motorbike-road.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/span><\/p>\nSpread The Love<\/h3>\n
Ride Defensively<\/h3>\n
Be Aware Of The Forecast<\/h3>\n
Ride With A Clear Mind<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/speedymoto.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/rider-motorbike-road-riding-having-fun-driving-empty-road.jpg\" "\\"\\""){kind=spacer}
<\/span><\/p>\nPay Attention To The Road<\/h3>\n
Use Your Head<\/h3>\n
Stay In Your Comfort Zone<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/speedymoto.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/man-sport-motorcycle-outdoor-road.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/span><\/p>\nConclusion<\/h2>\n
People Also Ask<\/h2>\n
What Should You Not Do While Riding a Motorcycle?<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/speedymoto.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/image3.png\" "\\"image3\\"")
<\/span><\/p>\nWhat Is the Fastest Way to Stop a Motorcycle in a Curve?<\/h3>\n
How Dangerous Are Motorcycles?<\/h3>\n
What does ATGATT mean?<\/h3>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/speedymoto.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/02\/top-10-motorcycle-safety-tips_57e8470878ee5_w1500.jpg\" "\\"top-10-motorcycle-safety-tips_57e8470878ee5_w1500\\"")
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