Most motorcycle riders enjoy the thrill that comes with riding on public roads. Motorcycles make for an exciting way to travel, have fun and enjoy the scenery. However, riding a bike can be extremely dangerous. Today, majority of accidents on our roads are as a result of human error. Motorcycles do not come with as many safety features as cars, a factor that leaves motorcyclists very vulnerable. Without these features, the risk of injury and fatalities following a crash is usually high. The good news is that there are several steps that every rider can take in an effort to protect themselves and enhance their safety.
Check your bike before riding
Before going on the road, it is important that you check your bike to ensure that it is in good condition. Make sure that both tires have correct inflation and are not worn out. You should also ensure that the chain, lights, brakes, cables and controls are in good working order. Regular maintenance of the motorcycle will go a long way in helping you prevent potential problems on the road and keeping you safe on lengthy trips.
Go for the right motorcycle
As a motorcyclist, protecting yourself starts when you are shopping around for the bike that will meet your needs. At this stage, you should avoid buying a motorcycle with too much power. While a very powerful machine will deliver the thrill associated with performance and speed, it may be difficult to handle when travelling at high speeds. This is why you will have to determine the use to which you want to put the motorcycle before making a purchase.
Enroll in a safety program
Regardless of your abilities, you should consider enrolling in a safety program to help hone your skills. Such programs are designed to help both beginners and seasoned riders to learn basic traffic safety laws. Through these classes, you will be trained on how to react to emergency situations as well as test your riding abilities in a controlled environment. On successful completion of the classes, you are likely to be confident, a factor that will help you to protect yourself.
Wear protective gear
Most states require that all motorcycle riders wear helmets. Helmets help to prevent serious head injuries and reduce the risk of death in the event of an accident. Since there are different types of helmets available in the market, it is recommended that you buy only certified ones. The helmets should be replaced when they are damaged or after every five years. Gloves, eye protection, enclosed-toe boots and sturdy jackets and pants will also help to keep you protected.
Avoid rider distractions
Just like car drivers, one of the main causes of motorcycle crashes is rider distractions. Any activities that shift your attention, cause you to take your eyes off the road or get your hands off the handlebars are extremely dangerous distractions. Generally, motorcycles have a smaller profile, a factor that makes it harder for one to see them in comparison to cars. This is why all riders must be alert while on the road in order to ensure that their reaction time is not significantly reduced.
Do not ride when road and weather conditions are poor
Some of the hazards that increase the risk of an accident include rain, snow and ice on roads. Wet leaves, potholes and uneven pavements will make it harder for you to control your bike. This is why you should avoid riding under such conditions. If it is necessary to ride when road and weather conditions are poor, you should slow down so as to reduce the chances of losing control.
Contact your attorney
In the event that you are in a motorcycle crash, you should contract an LA car accident attorney. If the accident was not your fault, the legal expert will help you get the compensation you deserve. In case you are not sure who was at fault, your attorney will ensure that your legal rights are protected.
One of the best ways to protect yourself when riding is by following all road rules. It is also important to make sure that you have the necessary insurance coverage. The insurance policy will cover your medical expenses as well as the cost of repairing your bike in case you are involved in a crash.