Many people dream of their first motorcycle ride. With the help of a friend, they imagine riding down some back road, learning the ins and outs of riding. What they don't dream about is what they're missing out on. And that is safety. Before anyone should get on a motorcycle for their first ride, they should take a safety course. There are many safety measures that can save your life when you're out on the road, and without these courses, it's hard to remember all of them. Here are a few not-so-common safety measures that you'll learn in your motorcycle safety course.
- Weight: Before you even purchase your first motorcycle, you should know how much you weigh and how strong you are. If you buy a heavy bike, you should make sure that you are strong enough to push your bike or even lift it up if it falls over, so know your strength.
- Intersections: The most dangerous place for motorcycles, and where most accidents occur is in the middle of intersections. Motorcycles are smaller than cars, so many people that are turning right on a red will only look long enough to see larger vehicles. When you're going through an intersection, slow down a little bit and look in every direction, not just the direction of oncoming traffic, to make sure everyone sees you coming.
- Road Hazards: The smaller tires on motorcycles make them more likely to have problems with road hazards such as pot holes, puddles, and uneven pavement. Avoid these hazards as much as possible, even the ones you know your car could easily handle.
- Rainfall: While most of the time it is okay to drive in the rain, this is not the case for the beginning of a rainfall. This is when the oils in the street seep out, making the roads much more slippery. If at all possible, sit out the beginning of the rainfall for a few minutes to avoid these dangerous conditions.
- Brakes and Puddles: Driving through water can affect your brakes in a few ways. If you can't avoid driving through puddles, make sure you have a chance to test your brakes. All you have to do is apply light pressure to ensure that they are still working properly, and then you can be on your way.
Safety is the most important thing when you're on a motorcycle. To avoid accident and injury, follow these simple rules along with everything you learn from your safety course to ensure that you will keep riding for years and years to come. If you are involved in an accident that is not your fault, you may want to contact a motorcycle accident lawyer to see if you are entitled to compensation.
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