Motorcycle safety begins with you, the rider. While you can't always account for others’ negligence, you can take some steps to improve your own personal safety and reduce the risk injury in a serious or fatal crash.
Check Bike Safety
The first thing you should check is the safety of your bike. Your motorcycle is the most important component to maintain to ensure your safety during a ride, so inspect it thoroughly, especially if it has not been used in some time. Check the tire pressure and inspect tires for any worn tread, holes, or cracks. Make sure all of your lights and signals are working properly and that your fluid levels are adequate.
Do a test drive to check the:
• acceleration;
• steering; and
• braking systems before heading out on a longer trip.
Wear Personal Safety Equipment
Personal safety equipment is an important part of protecting yourself fro
m serious or fatal injury. Texas helmet laws require that riders under 20 years old wear a helmet at all times, while riders over 21 may forgo the helmet if they have proof of completing a motorcycle training and safety course or proof of medical insurance coverage.
Even if you are exempt, it is highly recommended that you wear a helmet – according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, helmet use is estimated to have prevented 37 percent of fatal head injuries in motorcycle crashes.
Other personal safety equipment to consider includes:
• eye protection;
• gloves;
• proper clothing; and
• closed-toed shoes.
If your helmet does not have a face or eye shield, consider a pair of goggles or impact-resistant sunglasses to protect your eyes from glare and dust. Gloves will protect your hands from hot bike components as well as road rash if you fall off your motorcycle.
You can buy padded jackets and riding pants to further protect from road rash, and at minimum you should wear long pants and sleeves that do not have loose straps or strings that could get caught in the motorcycle.
Finally, well-fitting, closed-toed shoes will allow you to keep a better grip on the footholds and avoid damage to your feet if you have to suddenly put them down to stabilize your bike.
Motorcycle Safety Courses
Take an active role in motorcycle safety by attending a motorcycle safety course. The basic course is required to obtain your motorcycle license, and the advanced course is for experienced riders to learn advanced safety maneuvers and improve riding skills. Because you cannot predict the negligent actions of others, it is important to learn how to drive defensively and compensate for negligent drivers or pedestrians.
Other Motorcycle Safety Tips
Finally, use common sense. While inspecting your bike and safety gear, if something doesn't look or feel right, get it fixed before heading out. Check the weather to determine if it is safe to ride during the time you plan, and if storms or high winds will hit the area where you are riding, consider postponing your ride.
Never take your motorcycle out when you do not feel in top shape; poor reaction time because you are sick, tired, distracted, or intoxicated could prove to be fatal. You can't prevent other drivers from being negligent or careless, but you can take these tips to heart and help improve your own safety!
