The DOT also reported that a total of 5, motorcyclists died in crashes in —an increase of 5. With statistics like these, it makes sense to take safety seriously while driving motorcycles.
A safety course will teach you the rules of the road for motorcycles. You will also learn the appropriate actions to take in unpredictable riding situations that can arise. Driving a motorcycle requires skill and good judgment and a safety course can help you practice these. Rain, ice and snow can compromise your ride.
Driving in these elements is hazardous for bikers because you have less traction than a car and visibility is lower. Choose a different day if inclement weather is in the forecast. Motorcycle gear protects you from the elements, debris and road rash. Appropriate gear includes a DOT-approved helmet, goggles, leather jacket, leather pants or chaps, over the ankle boots and non-slip gloves.
Dress in layers to adjust to any changing weather throughout the day. Check your headlights, taillights, turn signals, brakes, fuel, oil, tire pressure, mirrors, handlebars and horn. And more riding time means you're more familiar with the bike as a whole, too. In about 70 percent of two-vehicle accidents involving motorcycles, the driver of the passenger cars just don't see the two-wheeler, according to Motorcycle Cruiser. In two-thirds of those accidents, the car driver violated the motorcyclist's right of way and, as a result, caused the collision, according to the Hurt Report.
Intersections are particularly dangerous. When other drivers don't see bikes, they often make left turns right in front of them or even right into the motorcycle itself. Be alert and wary as you proceed through intersections. Scan every part of the intersection before you enter it, and if a vehicle coming from the opposite direction looks as if it may be planning to turn left, slow down and prepare for evasive maneuvers. Ride defensively and as though other drivers will never see you.
In doing so, you could dodge a really large, wheeled bullet. If you're ever tempted to wear open-toed sandals and short-sleeved shirts while riding a motorcycle, think cheese. That is, think of your skin as a nice, soft cheese, and the road as a cheese grater, filled with billions of tiny, sharp teeth. You already know that even one-vehicle motorcycle crashes almost always result in some sort of injury, be it minor lacerations or scrapes, or compound broken bones and gaping flesh wounds.
But wearing the proper gear can significantly reduce and, in some cases, even prevent injury. Wear solid motorcycle boots to prevent exhaust pipe burns and painful toe strikes.
Protect your hands with thick gloves, and your arms and legs with good-quality gear, like leather chaps and jackets. All motorcycle shops stock clothing that shields your skin, and often they sell items designed to be breathable even in hot weather. Some jackets have ultra strong armor integrated into the fabric to safeguard you in case of a collision.
Even the best gear can't save you in a really bad accident. But in the event of a minor collision or wipeout, really good protection can mean the difference going home and spending weeks in a recovery room. If you've ever taken a long road trip in a car, you know how your mind drifts as you navigate the highways. But cars are more forgiving than motorcycles, and a mental vacation while you're riding might end in a pricey ambulance ride. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation encourages riders to use their SEE search, evaluate, execute strategy to keep their minds engaged on short or long trips.
In searching, you use your eyes to continually monitor road and traffic conditions. There are plenty of dedicated riders who are able to steer clear of accidents and enjoy their bikes without incident—but their success comes from following basic motorcycle safety practices. To make sure you stay on the safe side of riding, here are ten ways to keep your rides incident-free. Contrary to popular belief, looking cool is not the top priority when getting on your bike.
No matter how hot it is outside, shorts, a T-shirt and sandals are not proper riding attire. Even jeans provide minimal protection against injury and road rash if you happen to slide. You can go for extreme protection with leathers or reinforced jackets, pants and boots. Glasses or goggles are a must if you have an open-faced helmet and to protect your hands, you should always wear gloves. In warm weather there is specially designed gear that is intended for ventilation and cooling.
And, it should go without saying, never ride without a DOT-approved helmet. Know your abilities and make sure that neither your chosen route nor motorcycle is more than you can handle. Your bike should fit you; that means that your feet should be able to rest flat on the ground when seated — no tiptoes.
And if the bike feels too heavy for you, it probably is. You want to be able to easily get on and off your motorcycle and the handlebars and controls should be easy for you to reach.
The more familiar you are with your route, the easier it will be for you to focus on safety instead of not missing a turn. Always ride to your comfort level, not theirs. Give your bike a good once-over before hitting the road. Things you should check out every time you get on your motorcycle include tire pressure, mirrors and lights. Taking a quick walk around your bike will give you an idea if there are any loose bolts, leaks or other potential mechanical hazards.
You also need to be diligent about regular care and maintenance. To keep cognizant of your surroundings and your position in relationship to those around you, you need to use your head. You will also be able to get a feeling for whether other drivers are paying attention to you. Riding a motorcycle is a unique experience. Riding is fun and invigorating, yet the skills needed for safe riding, combined with the lack of car-like crash protection on a motorcycle, can cast doubts on whether a person should choose to ride a motorcycle.
Are you a higher risk-taker than others you know? If you tend to need a thrill while driving a car and have aggressive or risky tendencies following too closely, turning without signalling, talking on a cell phone, getting angry at other drivers, etc.
While motorcycling improves the overall quality of life for many, for some it can lead to disaster. Thinking that an accident only happens to others is an attitude that will get you in trouble. Can you ride a bicycle?
This is a prerequisite for enrolling in our Motorcycle Rider Course for Beginners, and generally a good gauge of your ability to manoeuver a motorcycle. Bicycling, like motorcycling, is a physical activity that involves balance and coordination. And speaking of coordination …. Can you drive a manual transmission car? This is not a requirement, but it may make learning to ride easier because almost all motorcycles have manual transmissions.
Scooters generally have automatic transmissions and come in many sizes, from simpler models with an engine size of cc to powerful cc models. Do you see well? Riding a motorcycle requires special perceptual skills that rely on good vision.
0コメント