Riding a motorcycle can be exhilarating and dangerous all at once. There is nothing wrong with having a little bit of fun on a motorcycle, and there are plenty of ways to stay safe while riding on the roads of Columbia, Missouri. So, how do I stay safe while riding my motorcycle?

One of the first things you must do is watch your speed. It can be easy to get lost in the thrill of the pavement under your feet while on a motorcycle. This can lead to excessive speed. Make a mental note to stick to the speed limit, or lower speeds in the case of adverse conditions, in order to avoid a wreck.

Make sure you are seen by other motorists while on the motorcycle. Close to 70 percent of accidents involving a motorcycle and another vehicle are caused by the driver of the vehicle not seeing the motorcycle. This can be avoided by making yourself seen. Inspect the intersection upon arrival by scanning every part of it as you arrive. Slow down and anticipate that other drivers will not see you.

Stay mentally focused while operating a motorcycle. It can be very easy to mentally check out while operating a bike. Try not to gaze at the sky because you could find yourself in a precarious situation. Do your best to keep your eyes and your mind on the road to stay safe.

Wear the appropriate clothing when riding your motorcycle. This includes avoiding short sleeve shirts, baggy pants and open-toed shoes such as sandals or flipflops. You should wear clothing that is tight to your body and shoes that cannot fall off your feet while riding.

Do not use a motorcycle when upset, angry, distressed or in any other type of negative mental state. Being distracted while riding a motorcycle can be deadly. Your mind needs to be as focused as possible while operating the bike. If you use your bike while in such a mental state, you could make a small mistake that could lead to serious injuries.



Source: Seeker, “Top 10 Ways to Stay Safe on Your Motorcycle,” accessed Feb. 15, 2017