Riding a motorcycle is a convenient, efficient and enjoyable way to commute and get around. But riding a motorcycle also puts you at a higher risk of getting into an injurious or fatal accident.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that in 2019, 5,014 motorcyclists died in the U.S. Although you cannot control the actions of other drivers, you can enhance your safety by driving defensively on your motorcycle.
1. Wear the right gear
When you ride your motorcycle, always wear an outfit that covers your entire body. Choose and wear additional gear specifically made for motorcyclists, like boots, gloves and goggles, to effectively preserve your range of motion and field of vision. Additionally, always wear your helmet, even on short rides.
2. Look around you
When you drive a car, it is easy to focus on a single spot in front of you. But you can prevent a motorcycle accident by checking your mirrors often and looking from side to side frequently to anticipate traffic changes and patterns.
3. Familiarize yourself with your route
Before you leave, know your intended route. If you plan to drive your motorcycle on an unfamiliar route, spend a few minutes looking at a map and familiarizing yourself with the basic directions of how to get there. This will help you focus solely on driving your motorcycle safely instead of trying to get and read directions.
Most importantly, when you drive your motorcycle, remain confident. In many cases, hesitancy and indecisiveness can affect your safety while you ride.
