As the summer season comes rolling through, many will head out on the roads with their motorcycles. Enjoying the sunshine on a motorbike can be an adventure, however safety precautions must be kept in mind.
Here are some tips for motorcyclists, from Constable J.S. Smith, on how to stay safe and still enjoy the thrill of the ride this summer:
1. Make yourself visible
Always assume you’re invisible because to most drivers you are. A few easy “taps” on the pedal or lever before stopping makes your brake light more eye catching to trailing traffic. On that note, always make complete stops and look twice for potential hazards.
2. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst
Dress for the crash. Even for five-minute trips, because nobody likes to eat pavement. An approved safety helmet and protective clothing is an important precaution. Driving defensively is also a priority. Always assume that car sitting across the intersection will turn across your bow at the green light, with or without a signal.
3. Be patient and pay attention
Always take another second or two before pulling out to pass, riding away from curbs or merging into traffic. It’s the things you don’t see that get you; an extra look could save your life.
4. Keep your eyes moving
Scanning traffic for potential trouble is key as it is always shifting. Never change direction without checking if the coast is clear.
5. Learn to swerve
Being able to execute tight turns in quick succession is so important. Hazards can arise any moment and a driver must react. Practicing tight turns, both left and right, until it is a reflex is a good idea.
6. Slippery when wet
If a patch of pavement looks the slightest bit wet, always assume it’s slippery. It may be nothing, however if it’s oil, water, engine coolant, or a number of other things potentially on the road way, you might be in trouble. Better to slow down than to be sorry.
7. Leave the iPod at home
Having your music cranked up with your headphones in is exceptionally dangerous. You may not hear that vehicle blasting its horn behind you, or the emergency vehicle racing to a call. Sometimes hearing the danger come before seeing it. Motorcyclists need to be on the aware.
8. Ride within your comfort zone
Even when riding with a group, stay safe by riding at your own level. Riding over your ability is an easy way to wind up hitting the ditch. Have a rendezvous point for the group to meet up again, allowing everyone to ride at their own pace.
9. Watch oncoming, left turning cars
Don’t ever assume a motorist will wait for you to make the intersection. Beating the red light may be on their mind, and they may just make that left turn right in front of you. Left turning cars remain the leading killer of motorcyclists.
10. Take a motorcycle safety course
These courses are designed to educate people about the hazards and safety precautions of riding a motorcycle. Whether you’re a new or experienced rider, what you may learn in this course may just save your life down the road.
On an end note, from the RCMP Alberta Media Relations, drivers of other vehicles need to share the road with motorcyclists and never underestimate their speed; their size makes their speed deceptive.
