Whether you have recently purchased your first motorcycle or you are a veteran rider, safety should always be a priority. If you are an experienced rider, you probably already know that you cannot depend on motorists and truckers to take your safety into consideration. This means that if you want to reduce your chances of having an accident, it is up to you to take every precaution possible.
Riding in and around New York City brings daily hazards. No matter how comfortable you feel on your bike, it never hurts to follow the most basic safety tips. Before you go for your next ride, brush up on the following basic motorcycle safety tips.
Be a defensive driver
As a motorcycle rider, you should always be aware of what is going on around you. You should prepare for each worst-case scenario and never assume that other motorists are going to obey traffic laws or even see you. Instead, make it a habit to anticipate problems while you are on the road so that you are always prepared to react.
Braking and cornering can be tricky
If you are a new rider, remember that there is a learning curve when it comes to braking and taking corners safely. You must be especially alert when you are approaching intersections, as that’s where almost half of all motorcycle collisions occur.
Choose a bike that fits
When purchasing a motorcycle, it is important that you choose one that not only fits your needs but one that you can handle safely as well. In general, you should be able to push your motorcycle and pick it up if it falls over. If you cannot safely handle the weight of your motorcycle, you might want to consider trading it in for a smaller, lighter model.
Remember the limitations
When you purchase a new motorcycle, you should not only take the time to become familiar with its operator’s manual, you should also take a motorcycle safety course. This is a good way to learn or hone the skills you need to be a safe rider. Even if you have years of riding experience, it never hurts to brush up on certain skills with an advanced riding class.
While the above tips can help you stay safer on your next motorcycle ride, it is not always possible to avoid every accident when you share the road with distracted or negligent drivers. If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, you might be able to file a claim for compensation.