Motorcyclists face many challenges to remain safe on the road. Avoiding accidents by driving safely and wearing safety equipment can greatly reduce one’s chance of injury or worse. Owning a bike can be a real adventure, as many feel like there is nothing like the open road and the world around you. While you’re exposed to the world, however, you are also exposed to many dangers. Ninety six percent of motorcyclists are injured when faced with an accident. When deciding to own a motorcycle you’re almost thirty five times more likely to be killed in an accident than anyone in a passenger vehicle. These statistics are not meant to scare you, but rather to give you an honest idea of what is against you and how you can prevent injury or death while riding.
- Consumer Reports – Ten Motorcycle Safety Tips For New Riders
- Esurance – How to Stay Safe on Your Motorcycle
- Mirror – Four Ways to Stay Safe on Your Motorbike
- Transport for NSW – Reduce Risks for A Safer Ride
- Discovery.com – Top Ten Ways to Stay Safe on Your Motorcycle
- Motorcycle Views – Ten Ways to Be Safe on a Motorcycle
- DMV.org – Tips for a Safe Ride
Motorcycle Safety Course
In order to drive a motorcycle, it is no surprise that you will need to prove your skills before you are given a license. Depending on state you live in, you may not be required by law to go to a safety course before you get your license, but based on the statistics above, it sure couldn’t hurt. In order to find the safety course that is right for you in your area, visit the Motorcycle Safety Foundation. They work together with the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators to educate and test the millions of motorcycle riders on the road today. With over one thousand five hundred locations available across the country, there should be one available near you.
- Discovery – Top Ten Reasons to Take a Motorcycle Safety Course
- Vespa Motorsport – Should I Take a Motorcycle Safety Course?
- DMV.org – How to Lower Insurance Rates with a Motorcycle Safety Course
- American Motorcycle Association – Getting Started: 5 Things Every New Rider Should Know
- DMV.Org – Benefits of Taking a Motorcycle Safety Course
- Connelly Campion Wright – Motorcycle Safety Course Can Reduce Your Monthly Rate
- DMV – Consider Taking a Safety Course
- Harley-Davidson – The Harley-Davidson Riding Academy New Rider Course
The Advantages of a Motorcycle Helmet
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It only makes sense that you should have to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle. You had to wear one when you went roller blading and you were only four feet away from the ground then. Now that you’re one a motorized bike surrounded passenger vehicles, a helmet is just a good idea. In most motorcycle fatalities, the victim lost their life due to brain injury simply because they weren’t wearing a helmet. The intention of a helmet is to absorb any impact to the head and protect the brain, and so the material used to make the helmet is critical. Look for helmets that are lightweight, crack resistant and strong. Even though they might be a bit more expensive, they’ll be worth it in the long run. The next important thing to consider is comfort. If you aren’t comfortable, you’re less likely to wear it and that defeats the entire purpose. Find a full face helmet (as that is the safest helmet you can find) that fits tightly around your head. Although it is snug, it shouldn’t be squeezing your brain out of your ears. It should still feel soft enough around the circumference of your head. Find one that you like and looks cool. Just make sure it has that DOT approval sticker on the back.
- MSF-USA – What You Should Know About Motorcycle Helmets
- Street Directory – Motorcycle Helmets – Why Are They Important?
- Rush University Medical Center – Helmet Safety: Keep a Lid On It
- Governors Highway Safety Association – New Study a Reminder of Importance of Motorcycle Helmet Use
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Motorcycle Safety
- World Health Organization – Why Are Helmets Needed?
- John Hopkins Medicine – Motorcycle Helmets Reduce Spine Injuries After Collisions; Helmet Weight as Risk to Neck called a ‘Myth”
Safe Clothing All Motorcyclists Should Wear
Of course your helmet is the most important thing to wear while riding your motorcycle, but there are other things you should put on your body to help prevent cold, damp, burns and invisibility. For instance, if you’re riding in cold weather, you will want to dress in warm layers including some thermal underwear. Topping it off with a windproof jump suit will help shield you from the high winds hitting against you while you drive. You can also invest in a winter riding suit, which can go easily over top of your current wardrobe and help prevent hypothermia. Whatever you decide to ride in, make sure it is bright. The stereotype is to wear a black, leather jacket but a black jacket in the dark is hard to see. As you are already smaller than other cars, so you are at a disadvantage. Pair that with a dark outfit and you are practically invisible. Wearing bright colors with reflectors can look just as cool and will keep you safe.
- Motorcycle Safety Foundation – Personal Protective Gear
- Department of Transportation – Protective Riding Gear
- Motorcycle Blog from JAFRUM – Motorcycle Protective Gear – What You Absolutely Need to Have
- Foremost Insurance Group – Motorcycle Safety Gear
- Motorcycle.com – What to Wear When Your Ride and Why
- Motorcycle Blog from JAFRUM – Why Should I Wear Protective Clothing On My Motorcycle?
- About Autos – Motorcycle Gear 101
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