Much of riding a motorcycle is out of your control — i.e., the weather, traffic, road design — but you can influence the most crucial element: your behavior behind the wheel.
Accidents happen, but defensive driving prepares you for everything that can go wrong when riding on two wheels to reduce your risk of injury. Use these tips to ride safely when you’re not the only one on the road.
- Focus, Focus, Focus
Analysis from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on motorcycle accident causation shows that most crashes involved unsafe acts on behalf of the rider. A lack of rider attention and distractions caused 32 percent of accidents included in the study.
Always keep your eyes on the road and hands on the handlebars to give yourself more time to respond to the unexpected. Use a motorcycle helmet Bluetooth communication headset to use your phone or GPS hands-free when navigating, listening to music or sending an urgent message to your loved ones.
Eliminate distractions that could reduce your field of view, including poor-fitting gear, loose fabric flapping in the wind and accessories. Use your peripheral vision to watch for oncoming cars, wildlife and obstacles on the road. Learn how to strap on a motorcycle helmet to maximize visibility.
Hand signals aren’t practical unless you are completely stopped. Pair each rider’s helmet with a motorcycle intercom to communicate in real-time without increasing your risk. The device automatically connects when in range and provides a direct link between each group member for seamless formation changes.
- Follow the Rules
Violating traffic laws puts you in situations and positions ripe for disaster. Drivers won’t expect you to come from the side if you try to pass illegally by riding in the space between lanes or on the shoulder, which can lead to sideswipes and dooring. California is the only state where lane splitting is legal.
Speeding was a factor in 29 percent of accidents in the NHTSA report. Obey the limit and steer clear of drivers who don’t.
You’re also required to wear a helmet. Most states also mandate turn signals, lights, mirrors and other safety features. Check the regulations in your area to stay in your lane.
Source: Sergey Watgers/Shutterstock.com
- Choose the Correct Size and Fit
Riding a bike that doesn’t fit your body can delay reaction times if you can’t easily reach the pedals or brakes. Hunching or using your arms to support weight leads to fatigue, and poorly fitting gear can limit your range of motion and field of view. Measure your hands, head, feet, legs, waist and torso when selecting clothing and safety gear to find your sweet spot. Nothing should move or hang from your body when you bend over or shake your head. Avoid tight-fitting clothes that reduce circulation.
- Expect Mistakes from Other Drivers
Even if you obey every law, you can’t expect drivers to do the same. Anyone who drives regularly will likely begin to doubt the public’s driving abilities, but we all need to share the road. Watch for unusual or aggressive behavior in surrounding vehicles and maximize the distance between you when turning or passing. Some 80 percent of American drivers admitted to driving aggressively in a 2019 AAA survey.
- Memorize the Route
How did we get around without GPS? A friendly AI voice guide may be handy, but it’s easy to rely too heavily on your positioning system. Some drivers can’t help but look at the route even if they know the way. Our eyes naturally gravitate to screens, so only use your GPS when taking a new route. Install it on the handlebars near your eyeline. Memorizing the directions on top of the GPS will make navigating feel like second nature.
- Know Your Rights
Newcomers often hesitate or defer to other drivers by default, even when they have the right-of-way. Knowing where and how to ride safely will boost your confidence so you can make decisions quickly and stay out of the way.
- De-escalate and Don’t Provoke
Our pride can get the better of us when we feel we’re in the right, but arguing with another driver or intentionally inciting them will only make things worse. Road rage has been on the rise in recent years. Keep your cool when a conflict occurs and find a way to exit the situation if they try to harass you. Unless you’ve been involved in an accident and need to file a claim, it’s usually better to drive away. You never know with whom you’re dealing. A minor accident or close call can quickly escalate to violence.
- Maintain Your Motorcycle
A faulty switch, poor lubrication, tire under/overinflation and weak brakes can cause your bike to stop responding to your controls. Rusted parts may fail to move in time to prevent an accident. Excess vibrations can also make keeping a grip on the handlebars more difficult or bump you out of a comfortable riding position at the wrong time. Check your tire pressure before every ride, change worn brake pads and lubricate the bike regularly to ensure your bike does as it’s told.
Source: Suti Stock Photo/Shutterstock.com
Motorcyclists face added risk compared to drivers, but much of that risk is within your control. Moderating your behavior, knowing your rights and route and using the right equipment should give you the peace of mind to ride with the confidence you need to master the road.
