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Discover and protect yourself from risks on the road with these motorcycle safety tips.
Published 23 Jun 2023
Motorcycle safety refers to the practices and precautions taken to protect riders from risks while using motorcycles on the road. It encompasses multiple safety aspects, from rider behavior and protective gear to motorcycle maintenance and compliance with traffic laws. Following these practices can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents and keep individuals safe on the road.
Safety is a must for motorcycle riders and enthusiasts alike, given the hazards associated with this vehicle. In fact, statistics show that motorcyclists are more prone to accidents and serious injuries compared to drivers of other vehicles.
Here’s a quick overview of motorcycle-related incidents in numbers as of 2021:
Motorcycles offer a fast and convenient way of transporting goods and people from one place to another. For this reason, these two-wheeled vehicles are utilized in delivery services, logistics, law enforcement, and emergency medical services. However, they come with a couple of road safety risks, just like any other vehicle.
One of the best ways to keep safe during motorcycle rides involves knowing what risks you can encounter on the road. Here are ten of the most common motorcycle safety hazards to watch out for:
Now that you know the most common hazards in motorcycle safety, what measures can you implement to avoid them? Here are the 5 motorcycle safety tips you should follow:
Using protective gear is the single most effective way to protect yourself on the road. Donning the appropriate helmet, gloves, jacket, pants, and boots greatly reduces the impact of falls and collisions on your body and safeguards you from head injuries, burns, fractures, and abrasions.
Make sure to choose a protective gear that meets safety standards (e.g., Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard) and fits you properly.
Another great way to be safe on the road is by following traffic laws and regulations in your area. Pay attention to the speed limit, turn signals, and traffic lights as you navigate the roads. Doing so is vital not only for your safety but also for the safety of other drivers.
To learn more about traffic and road safety regulations, make sure to check the website of your local, state, or national authorities.
Defensive riding skills are a must for any motorcycle rider, as it helps them anticipate and avoid potential hazards on the road. Not only does it lower the chances of crashes, but it also reduces maintenance and repair costs resulting from these accidents.
Here are a few tips to help you enhance this skill:
Inspections and maintenance help keep your motorcycle in good condition and ensure it’s safe to use. Periodically carrying them out reduces the risk of mechanical failures that can result in avoidable accidents.
Before each ride, make sure to check the brakes, tires, lights, and other critical components. Riders can use a digital vehicle inspection checklist when going through these parts to make sure that no item is overlooked.
Eliminate manual tasks and streamline your operations.
Lastly, self-awareness is crucial for motorcycle safety on the road. It’s important to know your riding capabilities and stay within your limits. For example, if you’ve ingested alcohol or taken medication, it’s best to refrain from driving.
Furthermore, if you’re new to motorcycle riding, it’s recommended to avoid taking unnecessary risks or trying maneuvers beyond your skill level. Instead, you can gradually push your limits as you gain more experience.
Motorcycle safety should be a top priority for companies that use motorcycles in their business operations. Vehicle inspections, audits, and precautionary measures are a must to ensure the safety of riders once they hit the road. While these activities are necessary for road safety, they could also be tedious to carry out on top of other day-to-day tasks.
SafetyCulture (formerly iAuditor), the world’s #1 safety and operations platform, leverages the power of technology to streamline these processes and keep frontline staff safe. With this app, motorcycle riders can access the resources they need to stay safe on the road—from pre-trip inspection checklists to panic alarm buttons. Managers can also have peace of mind, as they can monitor the safety of their riders from their preferred device and promptly respond in case of an emergency.
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Leizel Estrellas
Leizel Estrellas is a content writer and researcher for SafetyCulture. Her academic and professional training as a researcher allows her to write meaningful articles that create a lasting impact. As a content specialist, she strives to promote a culture of safety in the workplace through accessible and reader-friendly content. With her high-quality work, she is keen on helping businesses across industries identify issues and opportunities to improve every day.
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