Safety Tips To Help Motorcyclists Remain Safe This Summer
Now that summer has arrived, it’s never too late to start thinking about safety tips. True, you should always think about safety each time you’re riding a motorcycle, but summer months are very risky to motorcyclists. Although riding a motorcycle is exciting and fun, it is important to be aware that incidents can happen without too much warning, and some may become deadly.
Here are a few motorcycle safety tips that will help you remain safe on the roads this summer.
Inspect your motorcycle
If your motorcycle has not been ridden for a while, it is important to inspect it to make sure that it is safe to take out on the road. Components to inspect should include the following:
- belts and hoses
- tire pressure
- tire tread
- brake lights
- turn signals
- headlights
It would be recommended you get a tune-up on your motorcycle if it has not been ridden often. This helps to keep you safe on the road and it helps to protect the life of your motorcycle.
Wear the proper gear
Wearing jeans, a t-shirt, and soft shoes can be a recipe for a disaster on a motorcycle. Although it may be tempting to wear those items in the hot summer weather, it is never a good idea. Lightweight gear is available for this purpose to help you remain cool while riding but be protected at the same time. The essential gear is always needed, including a helmet, gloves, protective eyewear, and proper riding footwear.
Riding motorcycles when it’s hot
It is no surprise that heat exhaustion is common with motorcyclists in the hot summer weather. Do your best to avoid riding in the early afternoon to mid-afternoon, as they are considered the hottest hours of the day. Consider riding in the cooler morning hours. You could always stop for the afternoon to have lunch, rest, or enjoy other activities before riding later in the afternoon. Ensure you remain hydrated, especially if you are embarking on longer rides.
Riding motorcycles in the rain
Riding in slippery conditions increases your chances of losing control of your motorcycle. Rain not only reduces your visibility, but it also reduces the grip your tires have on the pavement. If you have to ride in the rain, you should know the most dangerous time is right after the rain starts.
The newly fallen rain causes oil residue on the pavement to rise to the top of the pavement, which can cause the roads to become slick. It would be a good idea to wait roughly 30 minutes after the rain begins to fall before riding. This 30 minutes can often cause the oily film to become washed away.
Avoid making any sudden changes in speed or direction during the rain. Your braking, acceleration, and steering should always be smooth, especially in the rain. Be aware that strong winds can be another hazard to motorcyclists. Anticipate the potential push from the side from a gust of wind by moving to the side of the lane the wind is coming from.
Road hazards
Motorcycles have less contact with the pavement than passenger vehicles do. Sand, new asphalt, wet or dry leaves, and gravel can easily cause a motorcycle to lose traction and slide.
Keep a watch out for any potholes ahead of you. Bumps and potholes that you may not notice in a passenger vehicle can create a danger when on a motorcycle. If you can’t avoid them completely, slow down as much as you’re able to before reaching them.
Taking a refresher course can be beneficial
If you haven’t been riding your motorcycle in a long time, it may be worthwhile to consider taking a motorcycle refresher course. The instructors can remind you of steering techniques for cornering or group riding that you have forgotten, especially if you are still a new rider or if it has been many years since you last rode your motorcycle.
Remain visible at all times
As you hit the road this summer for motorcycle riding season, it’s a good idea to keep defensive driving at the top of your list. Ensure that you keep a good distance between you and the other vehicles around you. Remain alert, especially when distractions play a major role in road safety. Watch out for drivers of passenger vehicles who suddenly change lanes or exit from side streets. Ensure that you check that all of your lights are working properly and use gear that creates additional visibility, both day and night, including bold colours and reflective stripes.
Know your limits and the limits of your motorcycle
As an experienced motorcyclist, you would know what your motorcycle’s limits are and aren’t. If you are new to motorcycle riding, you will need to take it cautiously. Keep these limits in mind for safe summer riding. Limits would include speed, distance you’re traveling, and weather conditions. Always have another plan in place for when unexpected road or weather conditions arise. It’s not always a bad plan to ride another day.
Riding with passengers
If you are thinking of having a passenger ride with you, ensure you are prepared for this. This includes having another helmet and riding gear for them to wear. It would be wise to educate any first-time passengers on how your motorcycle moves, what your preferred method of communication is, and any likes and dislikes you have as the operator.
Sharing the road
The excitement of hitting the open road can make it tempting to test your skills and limits at certain times. Always remember that safety must always come first. Always ride respectfully. If you are interested in testing your skills, find an off-road course where you can do so in a controlled environment.
Whether you are a new rider, a rider with moderate experience, or a very experienced rider, you should take safety precautions when riding on a hot day. Plan and think ahead, including having a few backup plans. This will help you take your motorcycle on the road with the knowledge that you have been properly prepared to handle the summer weather, whatever it may bring.