Motorcycle Safety Course
Motorcycles

Motorcycle Safety Course: [Tips to Ride Safely]

Without a doubt, riding a motorbike is an exhilarating experience! I used to ride a motorcycle during high school. I tried to stay safe yet crashed several times. I’m lucky I none of my crashes involved another car. 

Taking a motorcycle safety course is one of the best ways to commit to safety when getting a motorcycle. You learn skills and strategies on how to drive defensively and prevent an accident from happening.  

Despite the thrill, motorbikes are notorious for being accidents for some people. Statistics say that those who take a motorcycle safety course get into accidents less, but training courses help riders wear helmets more. (smarter-usa.org)

Whether you are a novice or an experienced rider, safety should be your priority and a driving course can help.


Why Take a Motorcycle Safety Course?

When you’re just starting out as a motorcycle rider, learning some of the basics in a safe area can be important. Far more important is repeated experience riding a motorcycle. 

A course can help you get some experience and teach you some concepts you may not have been clear about and how to execute them on your motorcycle. 

Maybe one of the most important lessons that most riders come away with and continue to do after a training class is to wear their helmet. This one idea of wearing a helmet has saved many people from fatal or serious injury. (www.iii.org


SAFETY TIPS


1. Choose the Right Bike

This simply means that you have to buy a bike that you can handle. For instance, if you are a newbie, you need to get a bike that is designed specifically with the needs of beginners in mind. The bike should fit your body as well. It is also important that the weight will match your physique.

If you are small, avoid big bikes as they can be tough to handle. It should be easy for you to get on and off the motorbike. The seat should be designed in a way that you are comfortable when you are riding to avoid compromising your safety.


2. Use Antilock Brakes

Use Antilock Brakes
Via: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anti-lock_braking_system

For your safety, you have to invest in innovative tools. A good example of the latter is an antilock brake. It can be a true lifesaver in case you are involved in a fatal accident.

Also known as ABS, these brakes will provide the rider with full control when steering the motorbike, preventing the possibility of skidding or rolling. While most of the expensive models now have this as a standard feature, in the case of most motorcycles, you have to purchase it as an add-on.


3. Wear a Helmet

This basic safety rule is one thing that is often ignored by many people. Take note that your head is one of the most vulnerable in case of a crash, which is why it is vital to make sure that it is protected all the time. A full-face helmet will be good if you want full coverage and protection.

The helmet should be made of durable materials that can withstand crashes while still making sure that it will be breathable and comfortable. Look for a helmet that is DOT-approved for your peace of mind. Even if it is just a short-distance ride, you must wear your helmet at all times.


4. Dress Properly

While a helmet can indeed be the most important protective equipment that you can wear during your ride, there are other things that you should not ignore. For instance, you need to wear the right shoes and even pants.

Your shoes should have non-skid soles. Wearing gloves will also be important, especially if you are riding during the cold season. If you are driving at night, you need to have reflective material in your clothing so that you can be easily seen on the road.


5. Respect the Laws

No one is above the law. Regardless of who you are, do not be entitled! You have to respect the laws when riding a bike. There is a reason why there are laws. The authorities would want the public to stay safe. For instance, if a speed limit is imposed, make sure that it is followed religiously.

If there is a sign that says you are not supposed to enter, respect it. Many accidents happen because drivers are reckless and ignore the law. Do not be one of those riders!


6. Be a Defensive Rider

Be a Defensive Rider
Via: http://knowhow.napaonline.com/top-6-motorcycle-safety-awareness-tips-new-riders/

Another important safety tip when riding a motorcycle is to be always on the defensive side. You need to be alert when you are on the road. Do not assume that you can be seen by everyone. As much as possible, you have to stay out of the blind spot.

Also, your headlight must be turned on all the time, especially at night. When you are changing lanes, do not forget to turn on the signal light. Look left and right before you swerve or turn.


7. Inspect your Ride

This is one more thing that you should do before you leave the house. Regardless of how excited and in a hurry you are, take the time to have a quick inspection of the motorbike. Check the tires, brakes, lights, fuel, and all other parts. 

See to it that they are in perfect condition, especially if you have to drive a long distance. See to it as well that you will have the tools that will be needed in case you experience a roadside emergency. If there is something that is wrong, do not bring it out for a ride and fix the problem as soon as possible.


8. Mind your Position

Once you are already riding your motorcycle, you need to be conscious of how you position yourself as this will greatly impact your safety. Your torso should be in line with your hips when you are driving. Your arms should not be over-extended, which will be crucial in the prevention of fatigue.

Do not slouch. Your head should be facing the road. Do not lean too much as this can lead to losing balance. Your body should be flexible enough to respond to the changes in direction based on how you will be moving the bike.


9. Research Before you Ride

While it is indeed exciting to drive towards an unfamiliar route, it can also put you at risk. With this, before you leave, it is important that you do quick research on your route. For instance, you should know the road conditions so that you will be prepared for whatever will confront you on your journey. 

You should also take a look at the weather predictions before a long ride so that you will be ready for any unfortunate situation. Research as well about possible rest stops, restaurants, and motels.


10. Practice Makes Perfect

Practice Makes Perfect
Via: https://www.northernontario.travel/motorcycle-touring/how-to-get-your-motorcycle-license-in-ontario

This might seem like a cliché, but the practice is actually one of the cardinal rules of riding a motorbike. You won’t be able to master the skills in just a day or two. In fact, the more experience you have, the less likely you generally are to get into accidents you are.

It takes long-term practice to hone your skills and become the best driver that you can be. Take as much time as possible to practice riding your bike in safe areas.

Ask for a helping hand from someone who is more experienced. If time and budget are not an issue, there are even training centers where you can enroll. Take a course that will provide you with an enhanced knowledge of motorcycle safety.

Once you have ridden a motorbike, you will easily understand why many people get hooked on it. It is more fuel-efficient compared to bringing a car and also allows you to prevent being stuck in traffic. At its size, you can easily maneuver between cars and take small alleys to reach your destination.

Nonetheless, despite the excitement that you can feel, the harsh reality is that accidents can happen at any time. It is important that you remain attentive at all times.

Do not leave the house without inspecting your motorbike. Always be sure to wear protection from head to toe. Take note of how you position your body. Most importantly, you should keep on practicing until you are able to gain mastery of the basic techniques for riding a motorcycle.

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