Buying a motorcycle may have been a dream of yours since you were a kid. The promise of open roads, sunny days, and the wind in your face is what most people see when they look at a bike. Low maintenance costs and even lower gasoline expenses make this mode of transportation appealing as well. Now that you have finally purchased your first motorcycle, it is important to take your safety seriously.
Riding a bike is dangerous. It might be one of the most dangerous things you ever do during your lifetime. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) estimates that motorcycle riders are 30 times more at risk to be involved in a fatal accident than people that operate cars and trucks. In order to stay safe on the road, follow the safety tips for new riders described below.
Buy a bike that’s the right fit
Motorcycles come in many shapes, sizes and weights. It is important that you choose a bike that you can handle. When sitting in the saddle, you should be able to rest both feet on the ground comfortably. If you can only reach the ground with your tiptoes, you need a smaller bike. In addition, choose a bike that is not too heavy for you to control. Also, consider what kind of riding you intend to do. If you plan to stick to area around Malden, a smaller model will be fine for commuting. However, if you intend to spend a lot of time on the highway, you may want to consider a bigger engine that will let you maintain higher speeds.
Get antilock brakes
Antilock brakes can be the difference between some minor road rash and a wreck you do not walk away from. There is a large selection of models you can choose from with antilock brakes. Spend the extra money and get a bike that is better equipped to perform in emergency situations.
Practice, practice, practice
If you have not done so already, sign up for that basic motorcycle safety course you have seen advertised. When you complete it, move on to the advanced skills class. Then, take the occasional refresher course. It is vital to hone your skills and practice certain maneuvers you might use in an emergency while you are in a safe environment. There are some skills you definitely do not want to try to learn on the fly.
Wear protective gear
Helmets, leathers, brightly colored and reflective clothing all exist to help you avoid accidents and catastrophic injuries. Buy them, wear them, do not ride without them. You never know what you will encounter on the road, and when it comes down to it, you simply cannot trust the cars and trucks that you share the road with. Do not give in to the temptation to hop on the bike in your shorts and sandals to make a quick trip to the supermarket. It is not worth it.
Unfortunately, all the safety gear and riding courses in the world cannot protect you from the bad decisions of other vehicles. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury due to a motorcycle accident with a reckless or negligent driver, you can fight for the compensation and justice you deserve.
