Motorcyclists are more vulnerable to severe injuries in an accident.
To help avoid a possibly serious accident and ensure you are compliant with motorcycle safety laws, consider these four safety musts before you ride.
1. Always wear a helmet
Head and brain injuries are common causes of death in traffic accidents. Motorcyclists are much more likely to suffer from them after a crash than people in standard passenger vehicles. Wearing a helmet while riding can save your life.
2. Practice riding the motorcycle
Operating a motorcycle is a skill that takes coordination, balance and careful judgment. If you get behind the wheel of an unfamiliar bike, you risk misjudging its power and capabilities. Learning how your motorcycle handles and where all the switches and controls are increases your riding skills, making you safer on the road.
3. Check your bike before you ride
Jumping on a motorcycle before it is road-ready is risky. Before each ride, check for the following to ensure peak performance:
- Signs of oil or gas leaks
- Fluid levels
- Functioning hand and foot brakes
- Tread depth and tire pressure
- Functioning signal indicators
Do not ride if you see any signs of malfunction or defective parts.
4. Ensure passenger safety
If you have a passenger, ensure the engine is on before they mount. They should sit as close to you as possible, keep both feet in position on the footrest at all times and hold onto you firmly throughout the ride.
Riding responsibly protects you from harm and upholds the duty of care you owe other drivers to practice safe driving on the road.
