As a rider, safety has always been my only and ultimate goal. Although at the end of the day I get to beat the traffic and enjoy my rides by my lonesome, I always ride safe. Research shows that a motorcycle accident is 37 times more likely to be fatal to the rider than a car accident. Even without the statistics, it’s certain that the chances of getting seriously wounded on a motorcycle are high. As a result, here are some of the safety-checks I observe to steer clear of any avoidable accidents:
Table of Contents
Gearing up
While most people choose to desert their full gears on hotter days, I prefer to keep mine on regardless of the weather. From the helmet to my nonskid sole boots. The padded clothing and helmet protect our bodies from severe injuries in the event of a crash. Keep in mind that a half helmet offers little to no protection.
Weather Forecast
It is a routine check to know the day’s weather before stepping out of my home. This alerts me on my limits when I’m riding – especially in the rain considering a motorcycle is not as stable as a car and there’s no windshield to protect your body from the rain.
Bike Inspection
It is recommended to perform a quick check of your motorcycle parts before getting on your bike every morning. Before I hit the road, I inspect the tire pressure, oil level, chain tension, the lights, brakes, any leaks or loose bolts. Simply, any potential mechanical hazards are worth noting.
Find Your Bliss
Well, feelings of anger, distress, or even drowsiness are the perfect recipe for bad luck. I like to make riding my ‘happy hour’ therefore I can free my mind and any distracting emotions.
Traffic Rules
Before acquiring a riding license one has to go through training and tests. Knowing the traffic rules is mandatory for passing the tests. However, as most people presume, these road rules are not for show – or the classroom either. Complying to traffic rules, and speed limits too is mandatory for the safety of all road users.
Pay Attention
Many motorcycle accidents have witnessed the statement ‘I didn’t see him at all’. Well, keep in mind every biker is invisible, not invincible and drivers will always try to kick us off the road. Therefore, riding defensively is our go-to option. This includes proper signaling, wearing a reflector, or customizing my riding suit with a reflecting tape, watching out for turning vehicles. Be alert when riding.
