what can motorcyclists do to protect themselves while riding a motorcycle?
According to a number of studies, well-nigh two-thirds of motorbike accidents are caused by drivers of other vehicles violating the motorcycle's correct-of-way. In fact, the failure of motorists to detect and recognize motorcycles is the predominant cause of motorcycle accidents.
It's difficult to spot motorcyclists
Every bit vigilant equally drivers try to be, there's an bodily scientific reason they may not run into a motorcycle. Homo vision is express, in that it can't detect small objects moving at high speeds in the same way a hawk can. This means a motorcycle approaching from a altitude takes upwards a very modest portion of the auto driver'south vision. If it's moving fast, the driver may not annals the bicycle before it seems to suddenly popular upwards.
"The obvious respond is that nosotros as motorcyclists are smaller," says Jay Jackson, Director of Motorcycle Rubber for the Motorbike Riders Foundation in Washington D.C. "It's easier for the states to be subconscious by things, and it makes it harder for drivers to judge speeds. We've got less surface area and are less reflective."
So what can motorcyclists exercise to increment their visibility on the road? These motorcycle safety tips tin can assistance you stay visible and avoid crashes.
Wear bright colors
"As a motorcyclist you have to be cognizant of the traffic around you," says Jackson. "You want to be conspicuous and stand out, every bit by wearing bright article of clothing." Existence noticeable is the reason motorcycles made in the U.S. have been required to have always-on headlights since 1980, according to Jackson.
While bright colors may lower the chance of an accident, they won't protect you if the worst happens. It's important to be prepared with a fitted helmet, secure jacket, and other rubber essentials.
Exist aware of your environment
At the same fourth dimension, increasing your visibility by wearing white helmets and reflective clothing is but step 1 in a rubber riding regimen. "One of the problems I see is that riders get into the mindset of a false sense of security that they'll be seen," says Dominic Schreiber, an expert motorcycle rider instructor with Shiny Side Up in Southern California. Every bit a rider, "you accept to be aware of your surroundings, exist aware of traffic, and constantly reposition yourself for your own escape routes and time to react to situations," Schreiber says.
Where you should be on the route
Motorcyclists have a lot of room to maneuver on the road. But by viewing the lane as three carve up sections, the well-nigh visible and safest for a rider is the leftmost side most the dotted line. It'due south where you lot're less likely to exist subconscious in a driver's bullheaded spot. "I meet riders in areas of the roadway or in areas of traffic where non only can they not be seen very well just they tin can't see into side streets, all considering they're riding too close to the side of the road," says Schreiber. "Proper positioning allows a rider to meliorate meet hazards and react to them," he adds.
Bulldoze slower
For some riders, the thrill of riding often means an open throttle. But speed is a major cistron in not being seen. Many car drivers accept been startled by the zoom of a motorcycle rushing past without ever seeing it approach. "I'm but going to assume that [drivers] won't see me," says Jackson. "Reduce your speed and make sure you lot're in the all-time position to see and be seen. Have your fingers touching the brake in case yous take to respond quickly."
Signal your intentions
It may seem obvious, but signaling your intentions tin can increase your visibility to drivers. Whether that means signaling a lane alter on a multi-lane freeway or turning downwards a side street in a residential neighborhood, a blinking indicator can make yous more noticeable and information technology can alarm drivers to your intentions.
No car driver wants to be involved in a motorbike accident. So the best communication for drivers is to always remain aware of the route effectually them and check twice for fast-moving and hard-to-see motorcycles. All the same, Jackson and Schreiber agree, the responsibility for motorbike safety is on the rider.
"A car driver has lots of distractions with the stereo [or] passengers that just make it harder," says Schreiber. "When someone's driving a car they're comfortable with what'south going on effectually them, and you lot need to ride accordingly. The fact of the affair is the motorcycle has the nearly to lose in those situations."
Watch the weather
Wet route atmospheric condition are dangerous. Tires have less contact with the route, your vision could be impaired and potholes can disappear beneath water, making it more likely for a driver to dump the bike. If a storm hits while you're on the road, pull over at the nearest gas station and wait information technology out.
Programme escape routes
An experienced passenger is always scanning the situation for an escape route. Examine the roadways and the traffic patterns so you have a plan in place if you need 1. Information technology's a habit drivers must constantly remind themselves to practise.
Even if you do everything right equally a passenger, accidents can happen. Learn how Nationwide Motorcycle Insurance can help keep you protected.
Source: https://blog.nationwide.com/motorcycle-riding-tips/
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