Top 5 Motorcycle Safety Tips for Riders

Motorcycle riders enjoy the thrill and the exhilaration that come from hitting the open road on their bikes. It is an exciting hobby that is becoming more popular by the day. Safely operating your bike can mean you will have lots of fun days in the future.

Listed below are our top five motorcycle safety tips for motorcycle enthusiasts:

1. ATGATT For Safety

All the Gear, All the Time (ATGATT) is good advice that all motorcycle riders should adhere to. Putting on your safety gear is a crucial part of staying safe when enjoying your bike. Arguably, the most essential piece of safety gear is the helmet, but you should also wear protective eyewear, motorcycle boots or shoes that go over the ankle with tread, long pants, gloves, and a motorcycle jacket.

When choosing a helmet, consider this information about the three main types:

Helmets

Head protection through the use of a helmet is the most critical piece of gear that a motorcycle rider should wear. There are three common types, the full helmet, the ¾ helmet, and the ½ helmet.

The full helmet offers the most protection for the head, the face, and even the base of the skull. Everything important is covered, and you can breathe just fine since they are well-ventilated. You can hear well enough to listen for potential problems, enabling you to drive defensively.

The ¾ helmet covers the sides, top, and back of the head. The face is not quite as protected as there is typically only a visor that flips down. Ventilation is comparable to that of a full helmet.

The ½ helmet, or brain bucket, covers the top of the rider’s head with some coverage on the sides and back of the head. When wearing a half helmet, the face and eyes are not protected. This style of the helmet provides the least protection of the three.

2. Perform a Bike Inspection Prior to Riding

Ensuring your motorcycle is in safe condition before riding is vital. Your safety could depend on how well your bike is functioning. When inspecting your motorcycle, use the following checklist:

• Make sure the lights are working properly. This includes headlights, taillights, and turn signals.
• Do a brake check and make sure the bike will stop when necessary. Do a visual inspection, listen for noises, and make sure you have enough brake fluid.
• Top off the gas tank as needed.
• Make sure to regularly change, check and replace your oil.
• Do a tire pressure check to make sure there is adequate air in both tires.
• Make sure the mirrors are clean, clear and will stay appropriately positioned.
• Inspect your handlebars for proper alignment.
• Make sure the horn works.

You can avoid potential problems by keeping an eye on the details before each ride.

3. Motorcycle Safety Courses Can Prepare You For the Road

Learning the rules of the road before taking off by participating in a motorcycle safety class can help you when unavoidable or unexpected situations occur. Motorcycle driving skills, paired with good judgment and safety instruction, can keep you and everyone else on the road safer.

4. Following Traffic Laws Keeps You Safe

This is simple common sense but cannot be repeated enough. By following traffic laws, we all know what the people around us are doing, therefore, avoiding preventable accidents. So, use your turn signals, follow the speed limit, avoid tailgating, stop at stop signs and lights, and give the right-of-way as you are supposed to do.

5. Make Sure You Are Visible

Paying attention to what is going on around you is essential. It is also crucial that people pay attention to you as well. Wear bright clothing, do not drive in another driver’s blind spot, turn your headlights on, and always signal when turning or changing lanes.

Contact The Cashman Law Firm Today

If you follow the above tips, you can avoid many accidents. However, not all of them. If you find yourself in an accident anyway, contact The Cashman Law Firm. Our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys are here to protect your rights and ensure you are properly represented.