Riding a motorcycle can be thrilling, but it also poses a huge risk on the road. Accidents involving motorcycles result in severe injuries and death.
Most wrecks occur either because of motorcycle operator error or another driver’s error. There are certain safety tips everyone can benefit from.
Tips for motorcycle riders
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there are many more fatalities among motorcycle riders than other drivers. Operating a motorcycle takes certain skills, so one of the first steps riders should take is to go through a motorcycle education course and receive a proper motorcycle license.
Motorcycles do not have the same protections, such as doors, roof, windows or air bags, as cars do, so it is imperative riders wear the right gear. Number one is a helmet, as brain injuries are common for those who do not wear one. Heavy denim or leather helps protect serious skin damage, and wearing bright clothing helps increase a rider’s visibility.
Other ways motorcyclists can improve visibility and prevent accidents are to use headlights and practice defensive driving. Alcohol is a main factor in many accidents, so riders should refrain from alcohol and drug use.
Safety tips for other vehicle operators
A common reason for crashes with motorcycles is other drivers have difficulty seeing them. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation says this is often due to the fact there are more cars and trucks, and a motorcycle is harder to see because of its size. Drivers of vehicles should take extra care to look for motorcycles and assume they are traveling at a higher speed than it appears.
A motorcyclist does not always need to activate the brakes to slow down, so drivers should leave a longer following distance to accommodate this. Allowing for more room is even more important when roads are wet.