Riding a motorcycle is fun and exciting. Nothing feels better on a warm afternoon then being on one, feeling the breeze and the sun when you are traveling. However, it is vital that you take motorcycle safety very seriously as it only takes a second for you to be involved in an accident. Keep in mind that you do not have the protection of a vehicle around you. Your motorcycle and your body will come into direct contact with other vehicles and the road.
Most accidents involving motorcycles are the result of the other vehicles can not see the motorcycle. I remember one of the scariest moments of my life involved my husband on a motorcycle. He was about a mile in front of me and I was traveling in my car with our kids. My husband went to pass a semi truck. As he was getting ready to go around the semi truck decided to pass the car in front of him. He put the signal lights and my husband had to go to the shoulder to avoid being hit. Semi truck driver never knew he was there.
The lesson here is to both motorcyclists and other vehicles. Make sure you look for motorcycles behind you and on your side before you move. This is especially true during the warmer weather. Motorcycle riders need to drive attentively, understanding that other vehicle drivers will not always get to see them.
Operating a motorcycle does not mean you have the privilege on streets or highways. I think I speak for most of us when I say that we all have seen reckless driving involving motorcycles. I have passed on the right shoulder more times than I can count. I few times traffic has been at a complete stop when a motorcycle operator decides to weave in and out of traffic to get ahead of the mess.
Motorcyclists often travel together, and they want to ride side by side. This is a safety hazard for everyone. Each rider must remain in single file and pay attention to what is happening around them. It also requires no wheelie tricks or excessive speeds while on the go.
It is very important to always wear eye protection and a helmet when driving a motorcycle. In many countries, it is mandatory. It is very easy to get bugs, dust, or other debris in your eyes when riding a motorcycle if you do not have eye protection on. A helmet can save your life as a head injury would be less likely than those without one.
It is a good idea to always wear long sleeve shirts and pants when riding a motorcycle as well. They will offer protection from road rash and debris. If you ride your motorcycle at night make sure your lights work properly and that you have on reflective tape or clothing.
Many motorcycle accidents are the result of road conditions. Watch the road and watch for the area spills, sand, water, or foreign goods. We have all seen boards, wood pieces, and even the furniture in the street. Can you imagine hitting an object on a motorcycle? Likewise, consider such items to be hit by another vehicle and the air. Never ride your motorcycle in the rain, sleet, or snow. The risk is too great.
Operating a motorcycle is a great way to spend your free time. It is also a very cost effective way of traveling to and from work. Operating a motorcycle is also a responsibility that should not be taken lightly. You have to be more assertive and observant of your surroundings on a motorcycle than you do when operating a car. Make sure you have a lot of experience on how your motorcycle functions before you attempt to ride in a location where there are other vehicles.
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