The weather is perfect and motorcyclists are revving up to hit the road. It is essential that other drivers be cautious of bikers, but it is equally important for riders to practice good safety while riding to reduce the chance of personal injuries. Enjoy your ride by using caution and following the tips below.
Wear a Helmet
It is Tennesee law that all motorcyclists and their passengers wear helmets while on a bike. While following the law should not be your only initiative to wear a helmet, the protection that these devices provide should. In fact, helmets have been proven to reduce the chance of a head injury by 85 percent. Certain helmets also help to keep the sun out of a rider’s eyes and reduce the risk of wind burn.
Use Turn Signals
It is important to use turn signals appropriately while operating a motorcycle. Some have the misconception that other driver’s are looking out for them, but this good trust is not enough to stay safe on the road. Turning, backing out of a parking space, and switching lanes are all situations where using your turn signals are essential.
Follow Speed Limits
The small size of motorcycles and the freedom they offer makes riders want to go fast. The speed limit should be followed by riders to make sure that their rides are safe for them, fellow drivers, and pedestrians. Reducing speed during traffic hour, when in residential areas, and when in school zones is important as well.
Take Weather into Consideration
A beautiful, sunny day can quickly turn rainy and windy in Tennessee. Cars slide uncontrollably when the surface of the road is wet. Of course, the reality of this is more extreme for motorcycles. Reducing your speed when operating a motorcycle is essential in poor weather conditions in order to maintain full control of the bike.
Dress Accordingly
It is no secret that Tennessee temperatures skyrocket during the spring and summer months. The temptation to wear shorts on the bike is hard to resist, but it is crucial that riders dress accordingly to avoid personal injuries on the bike. A common injury for motorcyclists is burning their legs on the bike’s exhaust. This is a serious and incredibly painful injury that requires medical attention. While knowing where the exhaust is located is important, reducing the severity of the injury by wearing thick pants is necessary.
Invest in Antilock Brakes
A lot of motorcycle models today come equipped with these life-saving brakes, but if they do not, it is a good idea to put these on your bike. Statistics show that bikes equipped with ABS are nearly 40 percent less likely to be involved in fatal crashes. These brakes maintain solid steering control if a rider needs to stop suddenly. This prevents riders from falling, skidding into oncoming traffic, and from crashing. Regardless of the skill level of the rider, they cannot avoid the dangers that antilock brakes can.
