The dangers that motorcyclists face on the road is nothing to dismiss. According to the NHTSA, motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than passengers in a car. This statistic should not kill your drive to ride. In fact, it should serve as a word of caution and a representation of why it is important to stay safe on the road. Here are some tips on how to keep safe.
Protection for motorcyclists is lifesaving. When you are in a crash, your body has little protection from the road or other vehicles. This is why it is imperative that you have the proper gear to lower your risk of serious injury. Helmets that meet the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards are imperative to a safe ride. Likewise, your arms and legs should have protective coverings. Heavy leathers and denim protect from road rash and can help prevent dehydration on the road.
Many motorcycle crashes are at the fault of passenger vehicles when the drivers do not notice the biker. For this reason, you should have bright colored or reflective material that makes you visible to drivers if you are riding at night.
In addition to protection, you can keep yourself safe by obeying all traffic lights, speed limit signs and lane markers. Understand the importance of traffic laws and always stick with the flow of traffic. Always proceed with caution on intersections and other roadways. Remember that other cars may not see you before it is too late. Keep your high beams on and make yourself noticeable to prevent an accident.
