How To Practice Motorcycle Safety

Always wear a helmet that’s securely fastened. And make sure it conforms to the standards set by the Department of Transportation. If it doesn’t have a visor built in, wear goggles to protect your eyes from flying dirt or debris.

Wear clothes that cover as much skin as possible, the heavier the better to prevent a nasty case of road rash. Gloves will shield your hands from flying rocks, and heavy, rubber-soled boots will protect your ankles and keep your feet from slipping.

Always apply the front and rear brakes at the same time, but not so hard that you lock up either wheel, which will cause you to skid.

One quarter of motorcycle crashes are caused when a car turns left at an intersection, across a motorcyclists’ path. Approach intersections cautiously, slowing down as you get close, flashing your brake lights once or twice, and making sure you’re visible to the cars on either side of you.

Before passing another vehicle, make sure your motorcycle is in the left portion of the lane and at a safe following distance. Don’t accelerate if you’re being passed.

Try to keep several car lengths in front of and behind you. Keep a watchful eye ahead for potholes and debris, which can cause wipeouts. And continuously look ahead, to the sides, and in your mirrors to keep an eye out for other drivers.

A rainy road offers about half the traction of a dry one, and traction is critical to two-wheelers. If you must ride in a rainstorm, slow down significantly.

Never ride side-by-side in the same lane with other bikers. It compromises both of your safety by limiting options should a car swerve in front of you.

Approach curves in the road cautiously. After intersections, they are the most hazardous spot for cyclists.

Never drink and drive. And don’t get on your bike when you’re tired, either: Fatigue can slow reaction times as dramatically as alcohol does.