Riding a motorcycle is thrilling, but it comes with risks. There are a few important things to avoid when riding a motorcycle to stay safe. Every mile ridden on a bike is different, and it’s up to the rider to stay aware of their surroundings and avoid common mistakes that could lead to crashes. Whether it’s overlooking potential hazards, ignoring speed limits, or neglecting to check tire pressure, every misstep can put you at risk.
Motorcycle safety should always be a top priority. Understanding traffic laws, using protective gear like a DOT-approved helmet, and staying alert to other drivers and vehicles are essential in reducing the risk of accidents. Motorcyclists risk injury more than car drivers, so safe riding habits can determine the difference between a smooth ride and a serious accident.
In this guide, we’ll cover the most common mistakes to avoid when riding a motorcycle. From skipping turn signals to not wearing the right gear, these mistakes could lead to accidents involving motorcycles. By following these tips, riders can stay safe on the road and avoid potential hazards.
1. Avoid Overloading Your Motorcycle
Excessive weight on your motorcycle can impair balance, making maneuvering and reacting to road conditions more challenging. This instability increases the risk of losing control and causing accidents, a common factor in single-vehicle crashes.
Additionally, overloading can reduce visibility, making it harder for motorists to see and be seen by others, thus increasing the risk.
Using proper storage compartments, such as saddlebags, when carrying cargo can improve your safety and that of others on the road.
2. Never Ride on Worn Tires
Worn tires on a motorcycle can be disastrous. Repeated heating and cooling cycles lead to tread wear and sidewall separation. If the tire rubber becomes too hard and doesn’t indent when pressed, it’s a clear sign the tires need replacement due to diminished traction.
Dry rotting is another concern, particularly if the tires aren’t used regularly. Riding with even one worn tire can lead to serious accidents, underscoring the importance of tire condition.
Regularly check the tread wear indicator strip, which shows when tires have reached an unsafe limit of 1/32 inch. Inspecting your tires for vibrations or instability can also alert you to potential issues.
3. Don’t Rush Through Corners
One common mistake motorcycle riders make is rushing through corners. Entering a corner at high speed increases the risk of colliding with oncoming traffic or sliding out. Lower speeds can help prevent panic and improve control.
Misjudging entry speed into a corner can cause hesitation with the handlebars, significantly increasing crash risks. Up to 66% of single-vehicle motorcycle crashes occur because riders go wide while cornering.
Utilizing proper cornering techniques, like selecting appropriate visual reference points and completing gear changes before reaching the apex, helps avoid collisions and maintain safety.
4. Avoid Wearing Tinted Visors at Night
Tinted visors at night can severely diminish visibility, increasing the risk of accidents. Clear vision in low-light conditions is necessary for reacting to sudden obstacles or changes in the road. Consider alternatives, such as yellow-tinted visors, instead of dark-tinted ones to improve visibility. This simple change can make nighttime riding significantly safer.
5. Don’t Assume Other Drivers See You
Assuming other drivers see you is one of the most dangerous mistakes a motorcyclist can make. Many accidents occur because drivers fail to notice motorcycles on the road, and riders often overestimate their visibility.
Wear bright or reflective clothing and use high beams, especially in low-light conditions. A standout motorcycle color can also improve your visibility.
Riding defensively and staying out of drivers’ blind spots are critical practices for enhancing safety and reducing the chances of collisions.
6. Steer Clear of Weaving Through Traffic
Sudden car movements can result in collisions, especially when motorcyclists weave between lanes. Riding directly behind the center of a car can pose risks like diving into potholes and destabilizing your motorcycle.
Maintaining a safe lane position and avoiding sudden lane changes are essential safe riding habits. Following traffic rules and staying predictable and visible to other motorists help prevent accidents and ensure a safer ride.
7. Avoid Insufficient Safety Gear
Proper motorcycle safety gear is crucial for keeping yourself safe on the road. It protects your body from harm and significantly reduces the risk of serious injuries, including road rash and head trauma. Essential motorcycle gear includes a DOT-approved helmet, goggles, leather jacket, leather pants or chaps, over-the-ankle boots, and non-slip gloves.
Helmets alone can decrease the likelihood of head injuries by up to 69% during motorcycle accidents. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation emphasizes that high-quality protective gear should fit well and be made from durable materials to ensure maximum safety.
Riding without proper gear can also have legal repercussions, as it may be seen as negligence in accident liability cases.
8. Don’t Tie Shoelaces in Loops
Loose shoelaces can pose a serious safety risk while riding. They can get caught in the motorcycle’s controls, obstructing gear shifting and braking, which can lead to potential accidents.
To prevent this, tie your shoelaces securely and tuck them inside your boots. Additionally, secure the laces behind the heel and tuck them inside the boot for added safety.
9. Focus on the Road, Not the Speedometer
Focusing on the road is crucial for safe motorcycle riding. Limit speedometer checks to quick glances to avoid distractions and maintain quick reaction times. A rider’s perception of speed can be influenced by their gaze; looking further ahead can diminish the sensation of speed, especially when considering the speed limit.
Maintaining your primary focus on the road helps you better anticipate and react to sudden changes in traffic, road conditions, or potential hazards.
10. Watch Vehicle Tires Ahead, Not Just Brake Lights
Watching the tires of vehicles ahead can provide valuable insights into their movements and help prevent sudden stops. Observing the tires rather than the brake lights and turn signals enhances your ability to react to potential road hazards.
Focusing on the tires lets you identify lane changes before they occur, improving overall safety. Observing the vehicle’s mirrors and front wheels can also provide clues about the driver’s intentions.
11. Avoid Changing Speed Mid-Corner
Consistent speed while handling a corner is important for stability and control. Shifting gears during a turn can disrupt the motorcycle’s balance, increasing the risk of losing control.
Ensure you select your gear and speed before entering the corner to ensure a smoother and safer ride through the turn.
12. Change Gears Before Overtaking
Selecting a lower gear before overtaking enhances engine responsiveness for quicker acceleration. Avoid shifting gears during the maneuver to maintain stability and control.
Changing gears before starting the overtaking maneuver helps maintain speed and control, ensuring a safer and more effective pass.
13. Don’t Use High Beams in Traffic
Using high beams in bumper-to-bumper traffic or closely divided lanes can disorient oncoming drivers and potentially lead to accidents. Responsible use of headlights, including knowing when to use high beams, is essential for road safety. Avoid high beams in traffic to prevent negatively impacting other drivers’ visibility and safety.
14. Maintain Safe Following Distance
Maintaining a safe distance is essential to respond to sudden traffic changes, such as unexpected stops or obstacles. Tailgating increases the likelihood of rear-end collisions by reducing reaction time.
The minimum recommended following distance for motorcycles is generally two seconds, but three or four seconds is often advised for added safety. Experts recommend increasing the distance to four or five seconds in adverse weather conditions.
Prioritizing Safety and Legal Guidance for a Smooth Ride
Stick to traffic laws, follow speed limits, and always use your turn signals. Other motorists might not always notice motorcycles, so it’s important to anticipate their moves and stay alert to blind spots. By adopting safe riding habits, you lower your risk of accidents involving motorcycles and increase your chances of a smooth ride.
Safety should always be your top priority. If you have been involved in a motorcycle accident, schedule a consultation with Recovery Law Center, a motorcycle accident lawyer in Hawaii, to understand your rights and legal options. Stay safe, ride smart, and enjoy the road.
