While no one can deny the freedom that motorcyclists have on the road, after an accident, you may feel wary of your preferred transportation. Unfortunately, according to the NHTSA, over 5,000 motorcyclists died in accidents in 2020. While passenger vehicle drivers should practice safe, alert driving practices, there are also ways you can protect yourself.
Before you hit the road again, brush up on motorcycle safety to feel more confident in your seat again.
How ready is your bike?
You may be ready to hit the road again, but you need to be confident about your motorcycle. Before hitting the road, check your bike’s tire pressure, brakes, signal indicators and fluid levels. Make sure that you have no oil or gas leaks before leaving. If you have to replace your old bike, ensure you know how to handle the new one beforehand. Every motorcycle is different and you need to know how to control it. Practice with the bike before hitting the open road or driving in heavy traffic.
How safe is your gear?
After an accident, you have to replace your helmet. Even if the helmet still appears fine, odds are it damages the structural integrity. When choosing head protection, find a helmet that meets the U.S. DOT Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard. Helmets that meet the standard have a DOT symbol outside the helmet. To protect your skin from road rash, keep your arms and legs covered with leather or denim. Protective gear can also help prevent cases of dehydration.
To avoid accidents, practice defensive driving. Often motorcycle accidents happen because the driver claims he or she did not see the rider.