Riding a motorcycle is exciting. The roar of the motor, the wind in your face, and the call of the open road create an experience that’s far different from driving a car.
Unfortunately, your bike also provides far less protection than a car would. There is very little between you, the road, and other drivers, so motorcycle riders must prioritize safety every time they get in the saddle.
By adopting best practices and carrying the right motorcycle insurance, you can minimize risks and maximize your enjoyment on the road. Here are some tips you can integrate into your next ride.
Staying Seen and Safe
Motorcycles take up less space on the road than most of their fellow drivers. Because of their smaller size, they can disappear into a car’s blind spot. To counteract this, motorcyclists need to make themselves as visible as possible. You can do this in three ways:
Maintain Good Lane Positioning
Stay in a position that makes you visible in other drivers’ mirrors, and never linger in their blind spots. To increase your visibility, you can position your bike slightly off-center from the car ahead of you.
Keep Your Headlights On
Daytime running lights or using your headlights during the day can increase your visibility. A little illumination can catch the attention of other drivers and make them more aware of your presence during maneuvers.
Wear the Right Clothing
Adding high-visibility clothing to your riding gear can help you stand out on the road. Wear a hi-viz vest over your motorcycle jacket, or add reflective tape to your jacket and pants.
Driving Defensively
Even when you do your best to be visible to other drivers, there is a risk that they might not see you. That’s why motorcyclists need to drive with the mindset that they are invisible to other drivers and use defensive driving practices that anticipate potential dangers. Driving defensively can make you better prepared to react quickly and appropriately.
Start by maintaining a safe distance from the vehicles ahead of you. Use the three-second rule to determine if you are far enough back; pick a fixed object on the road ahead of the car in front of you, then see if you can count to three after the vehicle passes it and before you reach the same object. If you can’t count to three, you need to drop back and allow more space. This space buffer can give you more time to react if the vehicle ahead of you brakes suddenly.
You should also develop a habit of scanning the road ahead of you for potential hazards. Look for situations like pedestrians getting ready to cross the street, cars attempting to turn, delivery vans entering and exiting the road, or changes in road conditions like potholes.
Be Ready for Anything
Your motorcycle has less storage space than a car, which means you won’t be able to carry as much to respond to unforeseen circumstances on the road. Ensure you have the essentials and keep your bike in top condition to prevent unexpected events.
Before you ride, check components like the tire pressure and tread depth, brake functionality, fluid levels, and that your lights and signals are all in working order. Pack a basic toolkit to address minor issues like fixing a flat tire or tightening a loose bolt.
Get the right motorcycle insurance before you go out for a ride. It’s an investment that protects you in case of an accident. Choose the coverage that’s best for you:
- Liability coverage pays for injuries and property damage you cause to others in an accident
- Collison coverage will help cover the repairs or replacement of your motorcycle if it’s damaged in a collision
- Comprehensive coverage protects your motorcycle from collision, theft, fire, and vandalism
Motorcycle insurance is generally less than car insurance, but your experience as a driver, type of motorcycle, age, and location will all affect the cost of your monthly premiums.
Stay Safe with the Right Motorcycle Insurance
Ready to hit the road? Whether you ride daily on your commute or enjoy a weekend ride in the sun, the experienced agents at Eber & Associates will work with you to understand your insurance needs. Then, we’ll find a motorcycle insurance policy that protects you and your bike.
Before you ride out on your next adventure, get a free quote from our team. We’ll help you enjoy that next ride with the peace of mind that comes with having the right insurance coverage.
