How to Avoid Crashing a Motorcycle
Top 10 Rules of the Road: Avoiding Motorcycle Crashes Like a Pro
On two wheels, safety isn’t just important, it’s everything. For that very reason, we’ve crafted a list of the top 10 lifesaving rules to keep you upright on your ride. These aren’t rocket science but following them religiously can significantly trim down the chances of a nasty surprise. This is how to avoid crashing a motorcycle.
Here’s a quick rundown of the tips. Once you check it out, keep scrolling for a bit more about our logic for each.
1. The Cardinal Rule: Always Be on Alert
Think every driver out there is out to get you. Assume that they’re going to make a wrong move that could put you in harm’s way. That guy cruising towards the intersection? Expect a sudden left turn. That woman at the crossroads? Be ready for her to bolt just as you get there. Speaking of Intersections…
2. Beware the Intersection
Intersections are like the Wild West of roads. They’re unpredictable. Even if you don’t see any cars, slow down. Remember, preparedness is key, and it’s easier to respond to surprises when you’re not blazing through like a comet.
3. Don’t Trust the Eyes
It might look like a driver has locked eyes with you, but here’s the truth: they’re often looking right past you. You’re on two wheels, they’re scanning for four. You’re practically invisible to them.
4. Trust the Wheels
The wheels, though, they don’t lie. A driver’s eyes might deceive you, but the wheels give it away. If they twitch, you twitch and prepare for them to burst into your path.
5. Prepare for the Lethal Left
Always assume the oncoming car is going to make a sudden left turn right in front of you. Ease off the gas, hover over the brakes, and be ready for some fast action.
6. Find a Shield
Whenever possible, go through intersections with another vehicle beside you. It’s not foolproof, but if someone’s gonna run a red light, better they hit your metal buddy than you.
7. Check Your Ride
Give your tires a once-over before you roll out. Badly inflated tires can cause serious trouble at high speed, and you don’t want a blowout on the open road.
8. Control Your Space
If someone’s tailgating you, wave them back. If they don’t take the hint, pull over and let them speed away. They’re a hazard you don’t need.
9. Create Your Buffer
If a car passes you and pulls in too close, ease back and re-establish your safety zone. You need space to react if something suddenly appears in your path.
10. Keep Your Distance
Don’t tailgate. Keep a solid three-second safety buffer between you and the traffic ahead. You want space to react, not a windshield for a face mask.
Wrap Up
These are the rules of the road, the biker’s bible for staying safe out there. But hey, we’re all human, and stuff happens. If you ever find yourself in a scrape, get medical help pronto, and once that’s taken care of, reach out to pro motorcycle accident attorneys like Pete Leehey and Dan Matzdorff. They’ve been there, done that, and can guide you on what to do next.
