Most people believe that having a car is the best way to get around without depending on public transportation. However, for others, cars can be too cumbersome. If you are looking for a convenient and fast means of transportation, a motorcycle may be more your speed! Riding a motorcycle usually gives an unparalleled sense of freedom, and the sound of the engine rumbling as you speed through traffic can make you feel unstoppable. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents are pretty common, and because you do not have the protection car drivers have, being in one can turn out to be fatal. So, how can you enjoy your rides and avoid accidents at the same time? Read on to find out.
Don’t Speed
Having a sleek, new motorcycle can tempt you into going over speed limits. You’d be surprised how many motorbike accidents are caused by just speeding. In addition to following other safety precautions like wearing your helmet, it is always recommended to master slow riding techniques to ensure that you have full control over your vehicle. To master this riding style, always keep your feet up to be able to reach the back brakes easily when needed. As opposed to using your brake lever to de-accelerate, the back brakes provide more stability, helping you avoid crashes. Furthermore, beware of sudden lane changes. This happens on highways more often than not. A car may suddenly crash into you when changing lanes simply because you are in one of the driver’s blind spots. By not speeding, you give yourself more time to react, thus reducing the possibility of accidents.
Stay Sober
This goes without saying, but driving under the influence (DUI) is still a big and very common problem. The seasoned motorcycle accident lawyers in Vancouver explain that DUI is one of the main culprits behind most motorbike crashes. This applies to both drunk car drivers and motorcyclists. Instead of putting yourself in unnecessary danger, avoid drinking a few hours before riding your bike. This way, you can be sure you are not a danger to yourself or others. Moreover, keep an eye on the drivers around you. If one of them starts swerving sharply (a sign of being drunk), get out of their way to prevent them from crashing into you.
Maintain Your Motorcycle
A motorbike is just like any other vehicle; it needs frequent maintenance to stay safe to ride. In addition to letting a mechanic check it every 6 months, there are some quick maintenance procedures you can do yourself. For example, cleaning and lubricating the chain offers more stability on the road. You may also want to measure your tires’ pressure and use a compressor to fill them up. Changing the coolant every two years as well can go a long way towards protecting your engine from overheating and preventing any nasty accidents.
Avoid Left-Turn Crashes
Left-turn crashes compromise a huge percentage of most common motorcycle accidents. They usually occur when car drivers do not see the motorcyclists behind them when making left turns at intersections. This causes motorcyclists to crash into them. Because motorbikes are smaller than cars, it is hard for other vehicle drivers to see them before it is too late, so you are the one responsible for anticipating their next move. To gauge whether the car in front of you is going to make a left turn soon, keep an eye on its light indicators or the wheels in case the driver does not use their turn signals. You should always slow down at intersections as well; better safe than sorry
Don’t Ride Between Cars
When you are stuck in a traffic jam, riding between parked cars and moving ones may seem like a good idea to save time. However, this can cause accidents if the owner of one of the parked cars suddenly decides to open their door. You may also end up hitting unsuspecting pedestrians this way. It is always better to stick to your lane than risk your life to save just a few minutes. Yet, if you find yourself in this situation, use both your brakes to slow down. Even if it is too late to stop completely, de-accelerating can make the crash minor instead of deadly.
Thanks to their smaller size and lower cost, motorcycles are the go-to option for many people. Although riding a motorbike is incredibly fun, it does entail some risk, as most drivers are not used to looking out for smaller vehicles. For this reason, you should always remain alert and anticipate sudden lane changes and stops. Don’t forget to wear your helmet and keep your motorbike well-maintained.