Motorcycle safety
Owning a new motorcycle makes you very happy. Let that happiness not be marred in any way by rash driving or use of inappropriate gear. Register for a State-recognized motorcycle-riding course and get a valid license. Read on for some helpful safety measures?
Motorcycle Safety in the City
You may be riding a smooth paved road with few other vehicles in the city. That does not mean that you should ride your motorcycle at top speed. You should be prepared for:
A vehicle speeding to overtake you from behind
A vehicle abruptly cutting into your lane
An open manhole without any warning sign
Motorcycle Safety in the Mountains
Riding a motorcycle on a paved city road is one thing; riding it in mountainous territory is an entirely different experience. Such territory does not necessarily have to be in some out-of-town area ? it could well be in the midst of a beautiful national park in your State. Whatever the scenario, you need to be very careful as it involves riding via rough roads that are generally narrow. Furthermore, you should be prepared for:
A sudden bend in the road that could come up unexpectedly
A friendly squirrel or a fawn that may suddenly appear in front of you
A branch from an overhanging tree that could drop on you
A family trailer in front of you coming to a sudden halt to let the kids admire a colorful bird perched nearby
An abrupt change in the climatic conditions
Motorcycle Safety in Various Seasons
One moment it is a bright summery day; the next moment the heavens open and it is raining buckets. In the autumn, roads can be covered with leaves. Winter brings the snow. Whatever the season, you should be prepared for:
A sudden gust of wind that can literally shake you off your perch on your motorcycle
Your vision getting blurred by a curtain of rain, or snowflakes dancing all over the place, or autumn leaves blowing around
Loosing your control on the motorcycle due to slippery roads
Weve been talking about what hazards you can face as a motorcycle rider. Lets now discuss essential measures that you need to take towards adequate preparation for such hazards.
Insurance for your Head: Wearing A Helmet
Actually, wearing a helmet is not just providing protection for your head. It is protecting your very life. You should not merely wear a helmet because you are obliged to do so by State law, but because it will prevent you from really serious injuries. It is true that despite wearing a helmet some motorcyclists do get injured, but the overwhelming majority of those who ride with a helmet have been able to get back on their feet. Some riders argue that a helmet prevents them from seeing properly, especially from the sides. In-depth studies into motorcycle crashes have proven this to the contrary.
It is important that you wear a helmet that fits snugly on your head. Just because you are in a hurry to get to work, dont just grab your sons helmet that is conveniently within reach. It may not be a proper fit at all for you. There are specifically designed helmets for kids, youth and adults. A helmet should not fit too tightly that it literally crushes your head, nor should it be of such a large size that it wobbles. Hence, it is also important to check on the strap that goes below your chin and secures the helmet in place. Most important, as per State laws, your helmet must be of the type that has DOT (Department of Transportation) approval. This marking (usually on a sticker) means that all aspects of the helmet are of high quality, especially in terms of absorbing an impact.
Other Important Gear for Motorcycle Safety
• To prevent grit, dust particles, a pesky insect, rain droplets, snowflakes, etc from getting into your eyes, it is essential to have them covered. Your helmet shield usually fulfils this function. In case you are wearing a helmet without the shield, you should wear a pair of good quality goggles. As far as possible, avoid wearing some fancy piece with a tinted hue just because your sweetheart likes them. It is ok to wear them during daylight hours, but the tint is very likely going to prevent you from seeing properly after the sun has set and watch out if the street lighting is bad!
• The leather jacket that you wear should not be merely something that makes a fashion statement. It should not be so bulky that it adds to your weight on the motorcycle. It is more important to ensure that it is appropriate for the weather. For example, during harsh winter conditions, it is advisable to wear a complete insulated riding suit with a close fitting collar. Also, find out if your State law insists on full-sleeved jackets.
The purpose of wearing gloves while riding is basically twofold: they prevent your hands from slipping off the handlebars; and, secondly, avoid getting your hands injured in a serious way in the eventuality of an accident.
Similarly, your shoes should ensure that your feet remain on their perch. Get a pair with slip-free soles and, as far as possible, ones that will cover your ankles as well.
General Safety Advice
First and foremost, ensure you know how to use all the controls of your motorcycle properly.
Make sure that the brakes work before setting out
Check the mirrors, tires and lighting systems
Check the fuel level and double-check that there are no leaks
Avoid wearing apparel that is in dark shades, as this will make it tough for other motorists / riders to see you. If you check out the essential requirements for motorcyclists on your States website, you will see one advice that stands out: wear apparel that will reflect light.
Never go over the speed limit
Avoid riding your motorcycle when you are physically or mentally tired.
Find out State laws governing pillion riders and how much gear you can carry on your motorcycle
Speaking of State laws, remember that they are likely to differ from one State to another. So find out every aspect of motorcycle riding in your State before you zoom off. And remember: respect the rules and regulations, follow road signs carefully, and avoid alcohol and drugs.
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