Riding a motorcycle can be an exhilarating experience, but it comes with inherent risks. Every rider should be aware of the potential dangers and take precautions to avoid accidents on the road. At URide, we understand the importance of safety and offer high-quality motorcycle training in Costa Mesa, California. In our upcoming blog post, we’ll share valuable tips on how to avoid motorcycle accidents and stay safe while riding. Don’t miss out on this essential information – keep reading below to learn more.
Perform Regular Preventative Maintenance
Just like any vehicle, a motorcycle needs basic maintenance to ensure that it lasts longer and won’t cause any accidents while you are riding on the road.
Basic preventative maintenance includes the following:
- Oil change – An oil change is needed to prevent the engine from overheating.
- Tire care – Tires are the only components of the motorcycle that separate you from the road. You have to regularly inspect them to prevent them from blowing out unexpectedly while riding on the road. The chain must also be checked to ensure that it doesn’t jam up the sprockets, which can cause you to stop abruptly while on the freeway.
Wear Reflective Gear
When riding a motorcycle, you must wear reflective gear. This is important, especially at night so other drivers can see you on the road. Reflective gear will reflect the light allowing the other riders to see you while you are driving on the road. This can help avoid accidents at night.
Reflective gear may include wearing a vest and the helmet must have reflectors, and you can place reflectors on different parts of the motorcycle. You can use reflector tape and place several strips on your gear or the motorcycle.
Do Not Ride During Bad Weather Conditions
Before riding your motorcycle, you have to check the weather. Inclement weather can include rain, snow, hail, or extremely cold temperatures. Motorcycles are prone to accidents during extreme weather conditions.
Motorcycles are prone to hydroplaning, especially when riding in elements like rain, hail, or snow. It is not recommended to ride a motorcycle when the temperature is 32 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 degrees Celsius because black ice can form on the road, which can cause accidents if you are not careful.
Stay in a Side Lane While Riding
When riding on a highway or freeway, you must stay in the far right lane, and avoid the middle lane unless you need to switch lanes. Try to minimize lane changes and focus on riding in a straight line. Staying in a side lane means you only have to consider one lane of traffic, reducing your chances of being hit by another rider.
Be Careful When Entering Intersections
Intersections can be dangerous for motorcycle riders because cars turning may not see them in oncoming traffic. When approaching an intersection, you must check both ways to make sure no cars are coming.
Cars may attempt to turn left or right in front of you, so you must be alert at all times. They may not see you and could easily pull in without warning, so you must be ready to make emergency maneuvers.
Practice Hard Maneuvers
As a motorcycle rider, you must anticipate that you may encounter obstacles while riding on the road. These obstacles may occur quickly, so you must have quick reflexes to avoid them and prevent accidents. To do this, you should learn how to handle sudden situations by practicing hard maneuvers like tight circles, sharp turns, and quick accelerations.
To successfully execute these maneuvers, you need to practice them regularly on an empty street or parking lot. This will help you build your confidence and improve your riding skills, so you will be more prepared to handle unexpected obstacles on the road.
Practice Emergency Braking
Practicing emergency braking is essential to avoid accidents on the road. While hard braking can be harmful to your motorcycle’s braking system, there are safer ways to stop abruptly. The best way is to avoid accelerating and apply both brakes – front and rear.
Applying only the front brakes can cause the motorcycle to flip, but using both brakes can distribute the braking force, with 70% from the front and 30% from the back. Although braking may not always prevent an accident, it can reduce the impact and potentially lessen the severity of injuries.
Slow Down
When riding a motorcycle, slowing down is crucial for safety. High speeds reduce your reaction time to potential hazards on the road and make it harder to navigate turns. Braking too hard at high speeds can cause the motorcycle to flip and lead to serious injuries. Avoiding speeding allows you to react quickly to road hazards.
Avoid Driving Between Active Traffic and Parked Vehicles
It’s important to avoid riding in between active traffic and parked vehicles as it can be dangerous. A driver might suddenly open their car door, and you could collide with it. A vehicle could suddenly brake, and you might crash into it.
A pedestrian could suddenly step out, and you might not be able to avoid hitting them. To avoid these potential hazards, it’s recommended to ride in a lane where you have ample space and visibility.
Undergo Motorcycle Training Courses
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, attending motorcycle training courses is essential for safe riding. URide offers these courses in Costa Mesa, California. Through these courses, you can learn how to become a defensive rider and prevent potential accidents.
Studies have shown that attending motorcycle training courses can reduce fatal accidents by approximately 61%. It is a valuable investment of your time and money to keep you safe on the road. Take advantage of these courses to learn important skills and techniques for safe riding. Contact URide today to enroll in a course and start your journey towards safe and responsible motorcycle riding.
Looking for motorcycle training services in Costa Mesa, California? Look no further than URide. With over 30 years of experience, we are proud to be the sponsor of the California Motorcyclist Safety Program’s Motorcyclist Course.
Our team of experienced instructors is dedicated to helping riders of all levels improve their skills and stay safe on the road. For inquiries or to schedule a training session, please call us at 714-425-7981 or email us at uridetraining@yahoo.com. Contact us today and let us help you become a safer and more confident rider!