Riding a motorcycle is one of the best ways to feel what real freedom is like—you've got the wind rushing past you, the open road ahead of you, and it's just not a feeling that can easily be matched anywhere else doing anything else. But even if you love riding your motorcycle, you've got to be aware that there's risk involved (for some, that's part of the fun, of course!), and even the most seasoned of riders know that staying safe on two wheels needs preparation, skill, vigilance, and quick thinking. So if you want to know more about how to stay protected on the road when you're riding your motorcycle, keep reading for some useful tips.
Get the Right Gear
If there's one thing that every motorcycle rider knows, even before they start riding for the first time, it's that they need to have the right protective gear to help keep them safe should they get involved in any kind of accident. The fact is that the right clothing and equipment can actually mean the difference between a minor injury and a life-changing one (or worse), and it's crucial (not to mention the law) to get it right. Perhaps the most important element of all is your helmet (which should be DOT-approved) because it can save you from potentially fatal head injuries—and the helmet should be a full face one as well, as that can help shield you from debris you might not spot coming at you. You'll also need to wear leather or Kevlar clothing, and your trousers and jacket should be thick enough to save you from scrapes on the road if you land on it. Gloves are also crucial (make sure they've got a strong grip), and boots with ankle support are ideal too.
Know About Defensive Riding
A lot of the time, motorcycle safety boils down to how well you're able to anticipate and react to other drivers, and that's where defensive driving comes in. The fact is that motorcycle riders are more at risk than most other road users just because motorcycles are smaller than cars and trucks, so they're harder to see (plus they can move faster, especially in slow traffic, which can take car drivers by surprise). One thing you'll need to do is ensure you can stay visible at all times, so always position yourself in a lane where people can see you—avoid blind spots and always wear reflective gear at night. It's also wise to signal early if you're turning, and make sure all your lights are working because you'll need them—other road users have to know what you're doing otherwise it's an accident waiting to happen. It might not sound unpleasant or as though you're just waiting for something terrible to happen, but that's what defensive driving is, and if you expect the worst, at least you'll be prepared for it, which means it's less likely to happen. Remember, you can be the safest rider in the world, but you still won't be able to predict what other people will do behind the wheel, so defense is the best option, just in case.
Prepare for the Unexpected
Following on from the idea above, sometimes accidents will happen, and as nasty as it is, it's wise to prepare for them so you can deal with the aftermath in the quickest, smoothest, least traumatic way possible. That's why you should always carry evidence of your insurance with you when you're out on the road—and make sure that insurance covers as much as possible for your budget, including uninsured driver protection and liability protection (you just never know what might happen). And have a notebook and pen with you or a note taking app on your phone because documenting everything is crucial - memory is a strange thing, and you can't rely on it if you need to make a claim later on. And when we say document, that means taking photos as well. Finally, always know who to call for extra help—a motorcycle accident lawyer can be so useful if there's a legal issue to deal with, for example. You don't have to handle everything alone.
Staying protected on the road as a motorcycle rider isn't always easy, but it is always essential, and avoiding accidents is only part of the story. You'll need to be as proactive and prepared as possible, and then you can enjoy the freedom a motorcycle offers you.
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