ALT-7 Motorcycle Safety
Motorcycle safety should always be your first concern, no matter how long you have been riding, what type of motorcycle you ride or what weather you are riding in.
Non-motorcyclists usually think of motorcycle safety in terms of motorcycle helmets and various protective gear, such as leathers (leather jacket, chaps or leather-jeans), gloves and (ankle-high) boots.But safety really begins at the time of purchase; no matter if you buy a used bike or a brand-new one from the dealership. I highly recommend attending a motorcycle safety course (like the "STAR" safety course) before starting to ride a motorcycle!
Here are some ways to be safe on a motorcycle:
1.Always make sure that the bike you choose fits you and that you can handle its weight when operating it on the road.
2.Before going for a ride, inspect your motorbike to ensure all nuts and bolts are tight, so that nothing can rattle off. Make sure that any luggage you might carry is well balanced and located as close as possible to the center of the bike without restricting your mobility.
3.Wear protective gear including helmet, sun or clear night glasses, padded leather jacket, gloves and ankle-high boots. Reflective gear is also recommended.
4.Watch the weather forecast! Dress and ride accordingly! If the weather turns bad against all odds while you are on the road, i.e. it starts raining hard or even snowing pull over and have a coffee somewhere while waiting out the downpour. Remember, the roads are worst after it first starts to rain when gasoline and oil spills form a greasy film on the pavement. Also, don't underestimate high winds they can throw you off balance, cause debris to get into your eyes and make you loose control over your motorcycle!
5.When riding at dusk or dawn, watch for wildlife. If present, slow down and carefully pass larger animals. However, it doesn't pay to swerve for very small animal, such as cats, sometimes (sorry, cat lovers!), as you might cause an unnecessary accident in doing so. On the other token, swerving for a deer is very much advisable due to the sheer size of the animal and the direct threat to your life.
6.Respect other motorists at all times it is better to yield than to cause an accident. Don't ever let "tailgaters" intimidate you, instead, slow down and let them pass!
7.When riding in a group ("pack") always follow the hand signs of the road captain. Be familiar with those hand signs well in advance and always leave proper space in front, behind and beside you to give other riders and yourself enough room to maneuver.
8.Last, but not least be sober and alert when riding. Drowsiness induced by drugs, alcohol or sleep deprivation are some of the most common reasons for accidents and detrimental to safety, regardless of what kind of vehicle you drive. When drowsy for any reason, get some sleep first, get sober or simply hitch a ride with someone else!
And now have a safe ride!"Ride to live, live to ride!"
