8 Motorcycle Safety Tips
[](http://buyersguide.carsoup.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Motorcycle.jpg)Keep yourself safer as a motorcyclist—do whatever you can to be increase your visibility on the road.
Good driving skills are essential, but motorcycle safety begins when you walk into the showroom. Making smart, safety-conscious choices at the dealership can help prevent accidents and may save your life. The single biggest showroom solution for preventing fatal solo crashes is clear:
- Anti-lock Brakes – Motorcycles with anti-lock braking systems (ABS) are 37% less likely to be in a fatal crash, according to a study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. ABS prevent brakes from locking up, promote stability and decrease the stopping distance.
Half of all motorcycle crashes involve other vehicles, usually cars. The single biggest excuse of automobile drivers involved in motorcycle crashes is, “I didn’t even see it.” Keep yourself safer as a motorcyclist—do whatever you can to be increase your visibility on the road. Here are the seven ways to be more conspicuous:
- Size: The bigger the better – Larger motorcycles like cruisers and standards are involved in fewer crashes and fewer fatalities. The smaller the bike, the easier it is for a motorist to miss it.
- Fairings and windshields – Adding a windshield and any sort of colorful fairing can extend the size of your motorcycle and make it easier to see.
- Headlight modulators – In daytime driving the headlights vary in intensity, and this fluctuation attracts attention.
- Position lamps in turn signal indicators – These extra filaments in the turn signal assembly serve as running lights and add visibility
- Bike Color – Forget about black; go for a conspicuous bike with brilliant colors.
- Clothes – Likewise, motorists are least likely to see people dressed in black, brown or camouflage. Wearing a high visibility yellow, orange or bright red jacket can significantly reduce the risk of an accident.
- Helmet – Once again, choosing a brilliant color is a brilliant idea. And remember, helmets only work when you’re wearing one!
Ready to escape “the cage”? Visit Motorcycles.CarSoup.com to start your search for a new or used motorcycle.
Source: Motorcycle Safety Foundation
