Safety 4 If you haven't taken the motorcycle safety course yet, its a good idea
to do so.
They
also have a advance course too. Its well worth it. They will teach
you riding
techniques that
will normally take and average rider years to develop.
You wont be a
top notch rider but you
will learn the skills you'll need to practice.
So that every time
you ride your polishing your skills.
In an average year 166,000 Americans will be
hospitalized as a result of a motorcycle
accident. 4,700 of them die. Many others will be
crippled for life. In some countries
the death
rate for motorcyclists is up to nine times
higher than that for persons
riding in a car.
Why is this the case?
Three primary reasons have been identified;
(1) A motorcycle is harder to see than a car
(2) A motorcycle offers little or no protection for its rider
(3) A motorcycle’s handling is tricky – if it skids, it often spills.
It’s not surprising,
then, that many people consider motorcycles to be dangerous. Yet,
motorcycles do
have definite advantages. The fuel economy is hard to overlook, with 60
to
70 miles
being achieved from one gallon of fuel depending on your riding habits and
type
of
bike. Bikes are easy to maneuver, they allow ease of parking and they cost less
than a car.
Not to be overlooked is the thrill that comes from riding a bike. The
sense of
freedom and the
feeling of control are difficult to emulate in a car. Here’s
how one rider
puts it, “ It’s exciting to
feel that machine beneath you, to know
that it will answer to
your every whim or direction, to
lean into curves and know
that it will carry you to your
destination reliably.”
So, how can you
have the best
of both worlds? How can you enjoy
the speed, freedom and
excitement of
riding a
motorcycle while, at the same time,
reducing the very real risk of injury?
As with
most
things, a little common sense goes a
long way here. Treat the bike (potential
killing machine
that it is) with respect and you
will be able to enjoy it without
mishap.
Specifically, you should
adhere to the following
points;
(a) Ride with Extreme Care. Steering, accelerating and braking require skill and
a high
degree
of coordination.
(b) Avoid the center of the Lane. That is where debris and oil droppings from cars
accumulate
(c) Wear a Proper Outfit. Always wear a helmet (full face). Gloves, a jacket and
boots will
also protect you.
(d) Ride with your Headlight On. If permitted by traffic
laws, do this even in
daytime.
It will make you more visible to other motorists.
(e) Apply Reflective Tape to your Helmet. This makes you more visible at night.
(f) Drive Defensively. Do not expect that car drivers will give you the right-of-way.
(g) Never ride a motorcycle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. And if
your
taking
any over the counter medication that makes you drowsy, leave the bike
in the
garage and wait
till you feel better.
Keep in mind, too, that - although
it may be music to your ears – not everyone will enjoy
the
sound of your engine
revving in the morning. So, to keep peace with your neighbors
try
showing a little
consideration when it comes to the noise factor. I do believe that a
loud bike
(to a point ) can be a good thing especially if it gets a drivers attention.
Maintain
your bike
regularly. Make sure the brakes are in order. Do routine chain and
engine
checks and also
very important check tire pressure before taking the bike out for
a spin.
Apply these simple,
common sense suggestions and you can safely enjoy the
sense of freedom and the feeling of
control that can only come from riding a motorcycle.