If the sun shining down in Nebraska on a nice, warm day makes you want to take your motorcycle for a ride, you are likely in the company of many other like-minded people. Traveling along on two wheels, feeling the wind in your hair (underneath your safety helmet, of course) and watching the clouds roll by may be what you consider a perfect recipe for a wonderful day. Perhaps you enjoy taking a passenger along sometimes as well.
The key to truly enjoying a motorcycle ride has a lot to do with safety. Since riding a motorcycle is a lot different than driving a car, you’ll want to make sure you receive appropriate training, acquire the proper license and follow all the traffic and safety laws and regulations.
Ways to stay as safe as possible on a motorcycle
Studies show the best way to avoid serious brain injury while riding a motorcycle is to wear a helmet. State laws vary regarding this issue; in fact, earlier this year, a bill in this state that would allow motorcyclists to ride without helmets was one vote short of passing. Since rules and regulations are subject to change, it’s up to you to stay abreast of the most updated safety information. The following list provides some helpful tips:
- Not only are helmets a number one safety tool, protective eye gear also ranks high for tools that help maintain personal safety.
- Although it may sound thrilling to tear up some dust and fly down the open road as fast as you can, you may be at risk for collision and injury if you fail to adhere to traffic laws.
- Clothing also matters when it comes to highway safety on a motorcycle. Long sleeves, long pants, coat, gloves and boots all made of leather are good choices for increasing safety.
- Always ride defensively. Keep your headlights on. Never assume another motorist can see you, and do your best to stay out of other drivers’ blind spots.
In addition to making sure you are dressed appropriately for motorcycle travel, it’s equally important to check your vehicle prior to every road trip. Just as it’s crucial to check fluids, brakes, lights and all other equipment in a car or truck, it’s also a key factor in motorcycle safety.
Whether you ride alone or in a group, if you do your best to stay alert and cautious when operating a motorcycle, you may enjoy many years of riding without harm. If a nearby driver is negligent or reckless, you may wind up with a totaled motorcycle and an injured body. To recover your losses and seek accountability against the person who caused your injury, you may take the matter up in court.