Whether you are someone who wants to become a motorcycle enthusiast, or someone who is fighting through a midlife crisis, you need to learn how to avoid motorcycle accidents as a new rider.

As a motorcycle rider you can do plenty to stay safe on the roads of Missouri, but cannot prevent all accidents, as others will always pose a threat. Here are some tips to help you lower your risk of an accident as a new rider:

— Make sure you test drive different motorcycles before you make a purchase. You don’t want to buy a bike that is more than you can handle. Bikes are more powerful now than they were 10 to 20 years ago, so be sure you buy a bike that you can control when on the road.

— It will be in your best interest to improve your motorcycle riding skills after purchasing a bike. You can do so by taking a Motorcycle Safety Foundation riding course in Missouri. This course can teach you the basic and advanced techniques for performing evasive emergency techniques with your motorcycle.

— There’s a reason why you don’t see many motorcycles on the roads of Missouri when it rains or snows or when high winds are present. Riders simply don’t trust the conditions enough to ride safely. This is how you can avoid an accident 100 percent on your own.

— Make sure you also purchase protective gear to wear when you ride the motorcycle. This includes a helmet and any protective clothing you can find. Protective clothing should prevent wind chill, bug splatter and debris. It should also prevent road rash should you have an accident. If your helmet doesn’t come with a shield, consider buying protective goggles too.

— You need to be aware of road hazards when riding a motorcycle in Missouri. These include wet leaves, stones, potholes and other debris. Be on the lookout for these hazards as a motorcycle has less contact with the pavement than a car.

Motorcycle accidents can be avoided, but if you suffer injury due an accident caused by another driver, an experienced motorcycle accident attorney in Columbia, Missouri, can inform you of your legal rights.

Source: Consumer Reports, “10 Motorcycle safety tips for new riders,” Consumer Reports, accessed Dec. 23, 2016