• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
WittySparks Logo White

WittySparks

Ignite Your Thoughts

  • Topics
  • Reviews
  • Subscribe
WittySparks / Autos & Vehicles / The 8 Most Important Safety Tips for New Motorcycle Riders
Safety tips for bike riders

The 8 Most Important Safety Tips for New Motorcycle Riders

Autos & Vehicles August 13, 2018 by Nishitha

Riding a motorcycle seems exciting; you’ll get to feel the power of the wind as you ride, you’ll have the freedom of the open road, and you’ll feel the rumble of a powerful engine beneath you or in front of you. But those thrilling features also come with inherent risks, and if you aren’t careful, those risks could put you in the hospital or worse.

The Prevalence of Motorcycle Accidents

Motorcycle accidents are inherently more dangerous than accidents in other vehicles because of the vulnerability of the rider. Riders aren’t protected by an external frame or a secure seatbelt, so they’re more likely to be thrown from the vehicle or directly impacted by an oncoming force. Add to that the fact that motorcycles are less visible than other vehicles, and their speed and stopping power, and you have a recipe for potential disaster.

Important Safety Tips

Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to maximize your chances of avoiding an accident, and staying safe while you ride:

1. Wear a helmet, always.

Motorcycle helmets are 37 percent effective in preventing motorcycle deaths, and 67 percent effective at preventing traumatic brain injuries. If you’re thrown from the vehicle or impacted head-on, they could be all that stops you from premature death. Regardless of how you feel about their comfort or fashionableness, it’s important that you wear one every time you ride.

2. Wear the right clothes.

You should also protect your body when you’re riding. Getting knocked off your bike while moving quickly can result in road rash, a gruesome and painful injury that can easily be prevented with the right clothes. Make sure your legs, arms, hands, and feet are sufficiently covered with thick material; in other words, shorts and sandals are not appropriate attire. You’ll also need clothes that can protect you from the wind, bugs, and debris.

3. Buy a bike you can handle.

There are thousands of different varieties of motorcycles out there, so make sure to buy one that fits your skill level and needs. For example, you may want to invest in a bike with more powerful brakes, one that’s fitted for your size, or one that’s ideal for beginning riders; otherwise, you’ll be at increased risk to lose control of the vehicle.

4. Stay visible.

Motorcycles are often involved in collisions because they’re harder to see than other vehicles, but there are ways for you to compensate for this. You can wear high-visibility gear and make your motorcycle brighter to the eye, and tap your brakes occasionally to illuminate your taillights. You can also work to stay out of other driver’s blind spots for added security.

5. Practice riding.

It’s not a good idea to ride as fast as you can down the highway immediately after purchasing your motorcycle, tempting though it may be. Instead, practice riding in a safe area, such as side streets, until you’re more comfortable with how the bike handles. If a car stops suddenly in front of you, or if you’re encountering bad weather for the first time, your inexperience could result in overcorrecting, and ultimately, an accident.

6. Use defensive driving.

Defensive driving is important for all operators of motor vehicles, but it’s an especially worthwhile practice for motorcycle riders. The main philosophy here is to drive patiently and cautiously, controlling your speed, and looking far ahead to anticipate the unexpected. You’ll need to watch and respect other drivers, and follow them at a safe distance as well.

7. Inspect your vehicle before riding.

Before you head out, take a moment to inspect your motorcycle for any damage or mechanical failures. Learning that your brakes aren’t working properly or noting insufficient tire pressure could spare you from unsafe conditions while you’re doing 60 mph on the freeway. While you’re at it, keep your bike maintained to reduce the risk of failure; replace any worn or questionable parts as early as possible, and get it inspected routinely.

8. Avoid inclement weather.

While some bikes are made to handle conditions like heavy rain or snow, it’s better to avoid inclement weather altogether. You may be able to handle your bike perfectly fine, but you have to worry about the other drivers on the road; decreased visibility and longer stopping distances mean you’re going to be at a much higher risk of getting into an accident, even with perfect vehicular control.

If you follow these tips, you should dramatically reduce your chances of being involved in a collision. You can’t eliminate all the risks of riding a motorcycle, but then, any method of travel is inherently risky. Stay smart and ride reasonably, and you’ll keep yourself significantly protected.

Appreciate your opinion on this topic on social media by tagging us @wittysparks
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • Like
  • Pinterest

Related Topics

  • Types of Commercial Trucking Accidents
  • 5 Things Every Car Owner Should Know
  • Rolls Royce Phantom and Ghost Are Known for Their Air Suspension Problems: What Is the Main Cause?
Launch Offer
Rocket.net - Managed WordPress hosting
Rocket.net - Managed WordPress hosting
$1 for first month, $25/month

A highly secured WordPress hosting platform powered by Cloudflare enterprises with customized services for agencies, eCommerce, and small businesses.

  • PageSpeed Guarantee
  • Ultra Secure Platform
  • FREE Migrations
  • Automatic Updates
Try for $1.00 Our Review
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

Our Favorite Tools

Semrush - SEO and Marketing Tools
Semrush - SEO and Marketing Tools
$119.95/mo
Try for FREE Our Review
Semrush - SEO and Marketing Tools
Lasso - All-in-one Affiliate Marketing Plugin for WordPress
$29/month
Start Free Trial Our Review
Semrush - SEO and Marketing Tools
Grammarly - AI-powered writing assistant
$12.00 / month
Try for FREE Our Review
Previous Post: « 5 Q&As About Starting An RV Rental Business
Next Post: How Using an Email Address Validator Can Save You Time and Money »

Reader Interactions

Profile picture for Anonymous

About Nishitha

Co-founder of WittySparks
WittySparks Staff

I am done with my Physiotherapy Graduation. And I always try to share Health and technology tips with people. Apart from Physiotherapy and being a tech savvy, I do explore more on Technology side and I keep sharing my findings with wider audience.

View all posts by Nishitha
  • LinkedIN
  • Twitter

Comments

  1. Profile picture for Ron PetersenRon Petersen says

    January 2, 2019 at 7:04 am

    Obey the speed limit; the faster you go the longer it will take you to stop. Be aware of local traffic laws and rules of the road.

Footer

Search

Exclusive Coupons

  • Moqups Review - Use coupon code “WITTYSPARKS" for 20% off or "PARTNERS50" for 50% discount on all plans.
  • Serpstat Review - Use coupon code "wittysparks_discount" for 30% off.
  • WPForms Review - Use coupon code "WITTYSPARKS" for 50% off.
  • WPPayForm Review - Use coupon code "wittysparks" for 10% to 40% off.

Affiliate Disclosure

If you make a purchase from WittySparks links, we will receive a small commission. See our Affiliate Disclosure.

Sponsors

Partnered with FreePik to use the licensed images.

turn to dhgate for smartphone

Follow Us

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • RSS

Copyright © 2022 · Hosting sponsored by Rocket.net (Affiliate link)

  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Affiliate Disclosure