Motorcycle Safety - Ten Top Tips
Reduce the risk of accident by taking a few simple steps before you get on your bike.
We all know that riding a bike carries a few more risks than
sitting behind the wheel of a car, but by applying a few simple strategies, we
can reduce that risk significantly. I’m not here to preach; you’re going to do
what you want anyway, and so you should. I’d just like you to do it safely.
BE VISIBLE
By wearing bright clothing and a light coloured helmet, the
guy who is talking on his cell phone about last night’s game, has a better
chance of seeing you. If all car drivers were as vigilant as the average
motorcycle rider, we wouldn’t have to take these measures, but their not, and
saying sorry just isn’t enough. Always ride with your headlight on.
CRASH HELMET
We’ve already talked about the crash helmet, but it’s such a
crucial piece of kit that it deserves another mention. A white or silver helmet
is favourite, but there’s another aspect of the lid that’s probably more
important; the fit. An ill fitting helmet can cause an accident by distraction.
If it’s too small, it’s going to be very uncomfortable, but if it’s too big,
you’ll be forever pulling it back down onto your head or adjusting the strap
that feels like it’s going to decapitate you, when you should be watching the
road.
SPEED
This probably should be number one. Excessive speed causes
more motorcycle accidents than anything else. Apart from being downright
unsociable, speed can not only be a sure-fire way of losing your licence, it
can also empty your bank account, but I suppose having no money doesn’t matter
when you’re dead.
YOUR BIKE
Hopefully, your motorcycle will have been maintained to a
certain degree, but before you set out on a journey, whether it be long or
short, check that your lights are working and the tyre pressures are what they
should be. A visual check of the chain (if you have one) is also a good idea.
If you’re riding your own bike, you will notice if there are any unusual sounds
coming from the machine. If there are, stop and investigate.
CLOTHING
As we said, bright clothing is better, but a yellow pair of
shorts isn’t exactly what I was thinking of. Anyone who has slid across the
tarmac for more than two feet will tell you that your clothing needs to offer
some protection. If you do come off your bike, the first thing you’re going to
do is reach out with your hands in order to protect your face, so wear a decent
pair of gloves or forfeit your skin.
ALCOHOL AND DRUGS
I shouldn’t really have to include this section, and the
people who use the road under the influence of alcohol or drugs aren’t going to
listen to anyone anyway, but I’d just like to ask anyone who does, to let me
know when they’re going to be out and about, so that I can keep myself and my
family off the road. No, no, no.
RIDING AN UNFAMILIAR BIKE
If you’ve just bought a new bike, or you’ve borrowed your
mate’s machine, take a little time to familiarise yourself with the handling
before you get too carried away. Even bikes of the same make have their own
little foibles and need to feel loved.
TIREDNESS
Tiredness is a definite killer, especially on a motorcycle
when you need to be on the ball one hundred percent of the time. I know if
you’re on a long journey it’s not easy to pull over to the side of the road and
have forty winks, but it may be well worth stopping for a coffee.
RIDING WITH A PILLION
Riding with a pillion can turn your beautiful-handling
machine into a monster, especially if you’re not used to it. A pillion affects
the balance, performance and handling of any bike, so be aware from the outset
that there’s someone behind you. Another thing to bear in mind is that your
pillion doesn’t need the living daylights scared out of them. Be courteous to
your passenger.
ANTICIPATION
One of the most important weapons in your armoury is
anticipation. Try to anticipate trouble before it happens. Ride as if you’re
invisible and expect cars to pull out in front of you, so that when they do you
are mentally prepared and have adopted a good road position and speed to handle
it.
If you fancy it, it may be a good idea to attend a training
session or two. I know; I’m not your Dad , but I do want you to arrive safely.
Safe riding.
About the author
Alan Liptrot is the founder
of http://www.motorbike-tours.co.uk
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