Motorcycle Driving Tips

With our warmer and longer summers nowadays, and our growing population, more and more people all the time are becoming interested in hitting the open road by motorcycle. While the lure of the endless blacktop beckons, dangers abound. We have assembled a list of Motorcycle tips to help keep you safe, even if you are only planning short trips around town.

According to a University of California study, a great many motorcycle accidents involve a short trip of some kind, having to do with errands, friends, shopping, entertainment or recreation. In addition, the accident is more likely to happen close to the trip origin. Whether you're an experienced rider or just starting up, you probably have something to learn.

Train Well Before You Hit the Open Road
In order to learn how to stay safe, it is important to train well before getting a motorcycle license. It is well worth it, to consider taking a motorcycle riding course from a school that is endorsed by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. Taking a course like this will most likely teach you things that a friend or relative may miss or not even know about. Another advantage of taking lessons at a motorcycle riding school that is recognized by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation is that many insurance companies offer an insurance discount to riders who have obtained their training through such means.

Most Important: Protect Your Head!
It is imperative that you wear your helmet. Motorcycle fatality trends tell us that wearing a helmet is especially important. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, in the late 1990s, Kentucky and Louisiana dropped their universal motorcycle helmet laws. Helmet use fell to the 50 per cent range in the absence of the laws. The rate of motorcyclist fatalities per 10,000 increased by 37 per cent in Kentucky and 75 per cent in Louisiana. Serious head injuries also increased. This trend was similar in other states that have dropped their universal helmet laws. Studies show that not wearing your helmet when riding your motorcycle dramatically increases your chances of severe injury or death.

Make Sure You Can Be Seen
Motorcycles are harder to see than cars or trucks, so for safety reasons, it is best drive very defensively, and try to make yourself more visible. In particular, be very careful before entering turns and be extra watchful at intersections, alleys and driveways. Fluorescent clothing, light or white colored helmets, and daytime headlights may reduce motorcycle injuries and death. According to Susan Wells of the University of Auckland, she found that with fluorescent or reflective clothing, the risk of a crash was reduced by 37%, with a white helmet by 24%, and with headlights by 27%.

Wet Roads Demand Respect
It goes without saying that wet conditions make riding a motorcycle more of a challenge than usual. Slow down and drive even more defensively than usual. Be extra cautious after the first rain following a dry spell. In the first half hour all the oil that has accumulated on the road comes up which makes for very slippery conditions.

Plan Ahead by Looking Ahead
Look as far down the road as you can. Make sure you are constantly scanning for bumps, garbage, potholes, cracks, stones, spills, puddles, etc. It is wise to observe how other vehicles are reacting to the road, so that you may have early warning. In addition, protective clothing can make a big difference if you should fall.

Practice Makes Perfect
Try to practice various riding skills such as emergency braking skills, swerving, slow turns, and smooth throttle operation. It is a good idea to set aside 15 minutes or more per week to practice your safety maneuvers in an area devoid of people and traffic.

Go Solo For a While
New riders should not carry passengers until they are "very" comfortable with their bike; this usually takes at least a year.

Beware of Oncoming Traffic Turning Left
This is one of the leading causes of death for motorcycle riders. Be observant at all times, and slow down before you enter an intersection. Always try to have an escape route planned. It is wise to make sure you stay as visible as possible and to leave a large space cushion around your bike

Consider Your First Bike Purchase Carefully
When choosing what motorcycle to buy you might consider buying a cheaper bike with a relatively smaller engine as it could be safer for you and affect what you will pay for your insurance coverage. The reason for this is that these types of bikes are less costly to insure as they are less costly to repair and potentially safer because they can be easier to handle in the event of an accident. Make sure that you understand exactly what your insurance policy covers and does not cover. Your insurance policy will probably cover you throughout the United States and Canada, but you will need separate coverage for Mexico.

Following these common sense tips will help you to enjoy your bike and stay safe. When it comes time to purchase your insurance, remember that SOS can help you with free quotes.

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