Motorcycles are the preferred vehicle choice for millions of people across the globe. They’re fun to drive, they give you freedom, they’re great for navigating traffic jams, and they’re fuel efficient. The only downside to motorcycles is the fact that they are much more dangerous than driving a car.
The sad reality is that motorcyclists are 30 times more likely to die on the roads than car drivers – nearly half of all motorcycle deaths are caused by single-vehicles crashes, which means the rider was simply going too fast and came off, no other vehicle was involved.
Motorcycles may be statistically less safe than cars, but the fact is that there are some riders who drive a motorcycle for their whole lives and never come off their bike or end up in any sort of accident. The reason for this is simple: they are safe riders.
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Motorcycle Safety Tips
The good news is that it is possible to make riding a motorcycle safer, it’s just a case of taking the necessary steps, that’s all. To become a safer rider, here’s what you need to do:
Be selective about your bike
One of the most important factors when it comes to staying safe on the roads is your motorcycle. Today’s bikes are incredibly powerful and can be too much to handle for some riders. Don’t buy a super powerful bike just to say you have it – pick a bike that is the ideal fit for you. Say, for example, you’re buying a bike online from American Motorcycle Trading Company, don’t opt for a bike just because it’s the most powerful option. Take your time, look at the different specifications, and choose a bike that is ideal for you – not too powerful, the perfect size, and the ideal ride for your needs and experience. You will be a safer ride if you take your limitations into account when choosing a bike.
Invest in anti lock brakes
Anti lock brakes are a proven life-saving tool. So if your bike doesn’t already have these fitted, invest in them as soon as possible. Motorcycles that have anti lock brakes are 37% less likely to be involved in a fatal road traffic accident. Regardless of how experienced you are as a rider, ABS brakes can brake faster and more effectively than you can. The reason for this is simple: when you apply normal brakes they stop the tyres moving at all, which prevents the bike from being able to be steered – this makes having a crash more likely. ABS brakes could save your life – don’t put off investing in them.
Hone your skills
Regardless of how long you have been riding for, it could be worth considering going on a motorcycle safety course. The fact is that by honing your skills and learning all of the best methods for safer motorcycle riding, you can reduce your risk of being in a serious road traffic accident. A motorcycle safety course isn’t just about learning the basics of safe driving; you can also learn advanced procedures for swerving safely, braking quickly and safely, and driving in poor weather conditions safely.
Wear the right gear
Last but certainly not least, it’s vital that you always wear the right gear. This means wearing a helmet and leathers every time that you go out. You can’t ever skip putting them on, even if you are only popping to the shops – it’s vital that you always wear the right gear. An accident can happen in seconds, so it’s vital that you make safety gear a priority.
While riding a motorcycle will never be 100% safe, by taking note of the tips above, you can make it easier to stay safe while out on the roads.
