Motorcycle Safety – Bike Safety Tips That You Can’t Ignore

Duke 200

Motorcycle riding is both adventurous and fun, especially when the weather is sunny. However, the ugly truth is motorcycle riding can turn dangerous, possibly because of your own careless driving or because of some incompetent rider overtaking you.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) study estimated that motorcycling is 28 times riskier than car riding. It makes complete sense to make safety a priority while riding. 

Here are some safety tips we want every rider to take into consideration before heading out for small or big errands over their Duke 200.

9 Safety Tips You Must Follow While Riding a Bike!

  1. Check the weather app

Inclement weather conditions can interfere with your smooth riding experience. Before heading out for any smallest to highest mile cover, check out the weather apps for the certainties of rain or snow. Avoid driving in hazardous climatic conditions, as this is when you are prone to lose traction or maybe have less visibility of the road. If you can avoid travelling for the day when the weather is extreme, you must do that.

  1. Wear motorcycle gear

Whether you are riding a Kawasaki Ninja 300 or just Hero Splendor Plus, you need to guard yourself with some durable protective gear. This gear keeps you safe from dust, debris and road rash.

You can invest in any top-grade gear, such as:

  • DOT-approved helmet,
  • Goggles
  • Leather jacket, pants or chaps
  • Long-sized boots and non-slip gloves

Moreover, dress in layers to stay protected from the harsh sunlight & UV rays. 

  1. Obey traffic rules and keep the optimum speed limit

This may sound cliche, but following traffic rules and driving at an optimum speed range is important. As per Insurance Institute for highway safety, excessive speed is the biggest cause of dangers like colliding or bashing.

  1. Check your motorcycle before each ride.

Before you start your commute, make sure you check your bike thoroughly. Properly inspect the:

  • Headlights
  • Taillights
  • Turn signals
  • Brakes
  • Fuel and oil
  • Tire pressure
  • Mirrors Placement
  • Handlebars and horn
  1. Appear visible to fellow drivers

Don’t just assume that fellow drivers can see you. Most of the major mishaps occurring on the road are because of how fellow passengers couldn’t see a motorcycle zipping through. 

Here are a few ways in which you can ensure that you are visible to fellow drivers:

  • Avoid other drivers’ blind spots (the road which is not visible while moving forward or through the side or rear-view mirrors).
  • Drive with your headlights (even in the daytime).
  • Don’t wear dull clothing; instead, wear reflective or bright clothing.
  • Make good use of your turn and hand signals.
  1. Stay cautious & observant while riding

Driving cautiously or, more specifically, defensively allows you to drive safely while anticipating traffic problems or road hazards. Watch out for the sand, gravel or oil that can cause you to lose traction. Also, look out for bumps and potholes to avoid any dangers. And while riding on the cross railroad tracks, look for the gaps and traffic signals.

  1. Maintain a safe distance while riding

Avoid driving too near to the other vehicles. Stay at least 5-10 meters away from the vehicle ahead of you. Doing this will allow you to avoid any emergency situations. Also, make sure to have an escape route in mind to be able to stop right on time.

  1. Keep a first-aid kit handy

Do carry a basic first-aid kit along with you while riding to meet any emergency situation. You can add the following things to your kit:

  • Disinfecting wipes
  • Bandages
  • Hand sanitiser
  • Gauze
  • Adhesive tape 
  • Band-Aids
  • Energy liquids
  1. Take an advanced riding course

If you have newly learnt to ride a bike, do enough practice to hone your riding skills. If it’s impossible to perfect the craft of riding on your own, then go for advanced riding courses. There are ample motor schools teaching you about:

  • Maneuvers to avoid or escape collision
  • How to do advanced turning
  • Control tips in any given situation or traffic condition
  • Braking techniques

Moreover, a safety course will also help you learn the traffic rules or techniques for riding on a road. These motor training schools will help you understand the appropriate actions to take during unforeseen riding situations. 

Riding a motorcycle requires competent riding skills and good observation power. A safety course can surely help you vouch for that. In addition, to stay protected, make sure to insure your bike, health and accessories.

In the market, there are several authorized motorcycle insurance dealers that cover unforeseen damages. These insurance claims also cover medical payments (but this depends on the insurance provider).

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