How To Avoid Crashing Your Motorcycle
Safely operating your motorcycle is arguably the most important concern you have when you’re on the road. However, you’re not only concerned with your own vehicle, but other drivers as well. Motorcycle safety is essential for enjoying your ride and there are several ways you can utilize your driving skills to stay safe and avoid crashing!
Watch for Obstacles
One of the most common causes for motorcycle crashes, but one that is easily avoided, is hitting loose gravel, sand, or other obstacles while riding. This can happen when you round a corner and don’t see the obstacle.
The best way to avoid this accident is to ride at a pace that allows for adequate reaction time in these situations. Enter a corner or curve slowly and at a wider angle so you can anticipate any obstructions.
Make sure to practice this skill by utilizing a track or taking a course before you hit the road.
Monitor Your Speed
Another frequent cause of motorcycle accidents is hitting a curve or turning too quickly. Use common sense and safe driving practices to prevent accidents involving speed!
Develop a good relationship with your bike so you know how it rides at different speeds and during turns. Get to know how to properly lean and shift as you steer. Your machine is oftentimes more capable than you are in sticky situations, so trust your bike and know how to help it perform. Again, practice these situations in a safe setting before you take your bike out.
Reacting to Another Vehicle That Pulled Out in Front of You
It happens too often. Another driver misjudges your speed and distance, so they make a turn right in front of you. This is a prime example of when you need to have full focus on your surroundings. Defensive driving is crucial when you’re on a motorcycle.
Identify potential threats as you approach intersections. Slow down and be prepared to react if necessary. Evaluate each situation you come across; take notice of vehicle positions, sunlight, driver visibility, and other factors. You should pay close attention to the wheels of other vehicles as this will indicate the first signs of movement.
Getting Rear-ended
The well-known fender bender is one of the most frequent accidents, but when you’re a motorcyclist, a fender bender can be fatal.
Use other cars to your advantage. When stopping at an intersection, use your position in relation to the car in front of you to keep yourself out of harm's way in case of impact. If this isn’t an option, stay to the side of the lane and flash your brake lights for better visibility.
It’s a thrill to ride a motorcycle, but safety makes the ride more enjoyable for everyone. Motorcycle crashes often show up in the news, but many of them could have been prevented with proper riding safety. Use your knowledge to stay safe on the road.
Tracy Motorsports, located in Tracy, CA, is here to support the riding community. We have a great inventory with financing available and have an excellent parts and service department for current owners. Our team proudly serves the Stockton and Modesto areas.