Motorcycle safety should be an area of extreme concern for all motorists. Any experienced motorcyclist would agree that riding a motorcycle on public roads can be very dangerous. Certain precautions should be taken prior to hitting the road.
Most states have laws that protect motorcyclists, but these are hardly enough by themselves. There is plenty of gear available for personal protection of the rider and there are classes and courses that increase skills and awareness of riders.
Motorcycle state laws are the only way that local governments can enforce motorcycle safety. Laws include requirements to wear helmets and take special classes to obtain a license.
A lot of states require a rider to obtain a motorcycle endorsement prior to riding on highways and after dark. These laws are a good idea to promote safety for motorcyclists, but do not guarantee a rider is always safe.
True motorcycle safety is usually acquired by taking classes and practicing on courses. Although a lot of states require the classes, it is best to take them even when you don’t have to. The classes and courses are designed to train riders to have the necessary skills, safety, and hazard awareness to do well on roads.
The classes stress the importance of protective and high visibility clothing. In the event of a crash, the rider will only have their protective clothing between them and the road. Courses do an excellent job of training riders to avoid hazards and to respond appropriately when confronted with them.
As mentioned earlier personal protective gear such as jackets, boots, chaps and helmets are imperative to motorcycle safety. In the unfortunate event of an accident, the rider will not have a door or window to protect them. They must rely entirely on the effectiveness of their protective riding gear. Nothing protects a rider more from a crash than a helmet and a good set of chaps and a jacket.
The technology used in modern jackets and chaps can make the difference between a few scratches and serious road rash.
Every motorcyclist should consider as many ways as possible to become a safe rider. The roads are a dangerous place for something as small as a motorcycle and rider. Motorcycle safety is a requirement of every rider.
Visibility from a car or truck can severely impair a driver’s ability to see a motorcyclist. The safety facts mentioned above are all very important and should be considered by motorcyclists and prospective motorcyclists alike.
ABS BRAKES WHAT ARE THEY AND DO THEY REALLY WORK:
Antilock brakes are computer controlled to prevent wheel lockup when braking hard. The way it works is a sensor on each wheel monitors wheel speed. A magnetic switch and ring made of metal causes switch to open and close detecting wheel speed.
If the computer detect a wheel is beginning to slip it pulsates the brake many times a second to prevent skid. A recent study showed a 38 percent decrease in fatalities on motorcycles equipped with abs.
This option increases the price of a bike by about 1000.00 dollars. Yes they do work, they are very effective in panic stops and on wet roads. So the next time someone says they are only good for inexperienced riders you will know better. They save lives and studies have proved it.
MOTORCYCLE RIDING AND SAFETY TIPS
Always try to learn skills BEFORE you need to use them, don't wait till its too late. REMEMBER ITS ALL ABOUT MOTORCYCLE SAFETY.
SAFE BRAKING
You don't want to wait till an emergency to practice your braking skills. When you must brake heavy the late thing you want to do is lock a wheel. A locked wheel can cause you to travel much further than you would with proper braking.
Learn to apply both brakes evenly. The proper technique requires the front brake be applied by squeezing the lever rather than clamping down on it. Steady pressure on the rear brake while applying a steady squeeze on the front is best. Practice emergency braking in a empty parking lot till you can stop quick with out locking the wheels. If you should lock the rear wheel release it and reapply.
Locking the front wheel can be tricky if its released incorrectly you could be thrown from the bike. I personally have found it best to release both brakes and then reapply them. Learn your braking skills before someone pulls out in front of you. This is just another aspect of motorcycle safety.
RIDING AT NIGHT
One of the most demanding times to ride is at night. Your visibility is lessened for you and other drivers. Many animals are moving around including deer. You need to do everything you can to make yourself easier to be seen. Wearing reflective clothing is a good idea. Remember other drivers have a hard time seeing a motorcycle . Make sure all your lights are working properly and adjust your headlamps to the proper angle. Make sure you windshield or visor is clean. Fog is another thing that can cause problems best advise for this is slow down for the condition. Its also a good idea to apply a fog coating to your visor another thing that works is to spit on it and wipe it clean. This really works so does cleaning it with tooth paste and water. Night riding requires you practice motorcycle safety. The important things to remember are.
SLOW DOWN FOR THE CONDITIONS
WEAR REFLECTIVE CLOTHING
CHECK ALL YOUR LIGHTS
CLEAN VISOR OR WINDSHIELD
RIDING IN THE RAIN, YES IT WILL HAPPEN
Sooner or later its going to happen you are caught in a downpour. Riding in the rain isn't that bad if you plan and are prepared for it. Things to remember first a raincoat being wet when riding isn't fun and if its cold its worse.
See RAIN GEAR page for choosing good rain wear. Also remember your stopping distance is increased due to roads being wet. Try not riding in center of lane where oil gathers because you will much less traction. Apply a coating of Pledge furniture polish to visor or windshield to stop buildup of water. Yes this really works. Facts to remember when riding in rain:
SLOW DOWN
USE PROPER BRAKING ( you have practiced proper braking haven't you.)
CARRY A RAIN SUIT WITH YOU
STAY CLEAR OF CENTER OF LANE
OH YES, DID I SAY SLOW DOWN
PRACTICE MOTORCYCLE SAFETY EVERY TIME YOU RIDE.
MOTORCYCLE AIRBAGS
BMW has recently finished testing on airbags for motorcycles that deploy during an impact to protect the rider from injuries. The manufactures are starting to take motorcycle safety seriously.
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