After you have taken a motorcycle riding skill class, it is easy to get complacent and not practice the things you learn in class. Well, that is dangerous and your life could be at stake. Though it is recommended that you take a refresher course at least once a year,check out there life saving tips and techniques in safe motorcycle riding as a reminder what you should do and shouldn't do especially riding a motorcycle in highway or traffic.
1. Never assume that the driver sees you even if you just made eye contact. So always make a maneuver after you have signal beam your headlight,honk your horn or make a few easy taps on the pedal before stopping to make your brake light eye catching.
2. Even if you are just going out on a five-minute trip to get a couple of tacos, wear the right gear. (Read: mesh jackets,full face helmet and gloves). A scorching hot summer day is no excuse for wearing tank top and board shorts.
3.Don't ride a motorcycle if you are mad,sad,angry,sick or exhausted. Check your emotions before you saddle up. Overwhelming emotions are as powerful as any drug.
4. Master the slow u-turn and swerve. Practice a lot until it is ingrained and almost a reflex.
5.If there is a suspicious patch of pavement assume it is slippery. Better slow down.
6.Ride a lighter and more manageable bike if you weigh only 100 pounds. A seven hundred pound cruiser is for giants.
7.Always nudge yourself to keep scanning what is immediately ahead of you and block away from you. Traffic is shifting. Scan for potential conflicts. Focus.
8.If you are approaching a tunnel on a sunshiny day, take off your sunglasses before entering. To get used to change of light faster, shut one eye and count to 10. Conversely,, if you are coming from a well-lighted garage onto dark streets give your eyes sometime to adjust.
9.Always put five fingers on each lever or controls and foot on the brakes. Always ready to cover the brakes in case you need to panic stop. Split second reaction time means stopping many distance shorter and could be life-saving.
10. If riding with a group, go with those of similar motorcycle riding habits(faster or more cautious group). That means being comfortable and having fun with your chosen group.
11.Don't guess and be prepared to stop if you have doubts about the road"s surface or general direction. This is because night motorcycle riding minimizes your ability to fully see. Be extra careful and give yourself room to react.You are usually in autopilot mode if riding in the evening.
12.When cornering,make sure you have a lot of lean angle in reserve, you may need the extra runoff if the turn tightens or pavement changes.
13.Always take regular breaks and rest especially if you are on a multi-day tour on your bike. Snack on healthy foods to help fatigue.
14.In rush hour traffic, you need to maintain increased awareness and caution. Ruthless cab drivers, multi-tasking drivers(newspaper reading,cell phone talking,make-up applying) ipod wearing runners,skateboarders,small or large vehicles and it's fumes can all take a toll on you. So expect the unexpected. Be very cautious about sharp turn signals,hard braking and abrupt stops.
15.Everyone is trying to beat the light, so don't assume someone will wait for you to dart through the intersection. Look both ways before barging into an intersection.
16.Always make sure the coast is really clear by turning your head if you change direction. Take another three seconds before pulling out to pass,ride away from a curb or merging into traffic from an on-ramp. That extra look could save your life.
Nov 20, 2011
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