Some people would never think seriously about getting on a motorcycle, but others love it. It seems as though these machines attract certain individuals. Maybe they’re more your style if you like getting an adrenaline rush every now and then. In many states, though, you need to know about the injuries and fatalities that go along with motorcycle riding. For instance, in South Carolina, 2024 saw a 12% increase in motorcycle fatalities from the previous year.
It’s difficult to know exactly what causes such an increase. You can’t deny one thing, though: motorcycles come with an inherent risk element. That’s because, if you ride one, you don’t have the protective metal shell around you that you get with a car. You can probably still have fun riding your motorcycle to and from work, or maybe you only like taking it out on the weekends. Either way, let’s talk about how you can enjoy this form or transportation while staying as safe as you can.
Wear a Helmet
You should always wear a helmet when you go out for a ride. That’s just common sense. Some states have mandatory helmet laws, while others do not. That’s almost beside the point, though. If you ride a motorcycle, and you’re not wearing a helmet, then there’s nothing between your unprotected skull and the pavement but air. Since wearing a helmet provides you the protection that you so sorely need, you should never under any circumstances go riding without one.
Also, if you have a family, they will probably feel a lot better about you riding a motorcycle with a helmet on. You will likely make your spouse or partner feel less anxious if you do this. Plus, you’re setting a good example for your children.
Consider Wearing Pads
You can also at least consider wearing some additional pads when you go out riding. You can shop for padded vests or jackets. You can also find knee and elbow pads that will provide you some additional protection. You might not give off the outlaw vibes that you want while wearing safety gear, but you will feel glad that you have it on if your bike ever tips over and drags you along the ground.
Don’t Ride in Bad Weather
You can also stay safer while riding your motorcycle if you avoid taking it out in bad weather. If it’s pouring down rain, snowing, or there’s anything else that’s making the roads unsafe and making it difficult to see, it’s better that you stay home if you possibly can.
If you must go out, and you also own a car, then drive instead of riding. A slick road can easily cause a serious injury or even death if you’re on a motorcycle.
Bring Sunglasses
If you go for a drive in a car, and you’re facing the sunrise or the setting sun, then you can lower the visor to shade your vision. If you don’t, then the glare can blind you, and that can cause an accident. If you’re on a motorcycle, though, you do not have a visor. You should take sunglasses with you. You can put them on if you’re ever having problems with the sun’s glare.
Don’t Lane Split
You should also never lane split. The term means when a motorcycle rider goes between two lanes of cars. You might feel tempted to do this if you’re in a traffic jam. If you lane split, though, that’s dangerous. Maybe you think that you have a clear path ahead of you. You ride between the cars, trying to leave the traffic behind.
If a car suddenly decides to change lanes, though, you can slam into it. That can cause serious injuries. Lane splitting might appeal in some situations, but it often injures motorcycle riders who attempt it.
Don’t Speed
You should stick to the speed limit while on your motorcycle as well. If you speed while in a car, that’s dangerous, since you can lose control more easily and cause an accident. If you do the same thing while on a motorcycle, though, it might cost you your life.
Don’t Lose Your Temper
Finally, control your temper while riding. If someone cuts you off, then that might make you angry. If you gesture at them, though, they might have a weapon, and you may trigger a road rage incident. If you follow this advice, then you should stay safe while riding your motorcycle.
