When you take the road as a motorcyclist, you understand that you don’t have walls or windows to shield you in case of a crash. Therefore, you wear a helmet and other protective gear each time you ride. But what if there was a way you could take even more precaution ahead of each ride?
Thankfully, rethinking some driving habits and upgrading your bike may help you avoid a collision. Here are three safety tips that you might not have thought of before:
- Check the weather
Checking the weather before you head out or pulling off the road when conditions become unfavorable is crucial when you are motorcycle riding. Not only does getting drenched in the rain or too hot by the afternoon sun cause discomfort, but it could also cause an accident. When the rain pours down, your visibility isn’t as clear anymore and slippery conditions makes quick maneuvers dangerous. And if it’s too hot outside, then you can become dehydrated or fatigued easier, which can decrease your alertness.
- Switch to anti-lock brakes
Maybe your bike came pre-installed with an anti-lock braking system (ABS). If not, investing in ABS may decrease your chance of getting in a fatal crash by over 30%, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports. ABS can give you more control when braking in corners. Plus, it allows you the ability to continue to steer away from a hazard when you hit the brakes.
- Go back to school
Professional drivers and new riders can both use practice. In fact, any professional reaches new heights by putting in hours and hours of work. While you don’t need to go into training mode, a refresher or safety course can go a long way. According to Consumer Reports, you can learn new ways to dodge hazards on the road and might be able to skip the motorcycle license test upon completion of a riding course.
During motorcycle journeys long and short, riders should always implement every tactic possible to preserve their lives. But if an accident arises, a personal injury attorney can help you receive the compensation you need to pay medical bills and repair your bike.
