Essential Tips for Motorcyclists to Avoid Accidents

Crashes can result from a variety of situations, often unpredictable and even preventable with the right mindset and knowledge. Knowledge and caution can significantly reduce the risk of accidents, especially those that result from simply falling off the motorbike.

Avoiding Common Accident Scenarios

Most accidents can be avoided by being well-informed and careful. Here are some tips on how to do so:

Wet and Slippery Conditions

Forewarned is forearmed. Wet surfaces such as rain puddles, oil, and sand on highways are notorious for causing falls. The very center of any lane is a prime location for automobiles to leak oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and coolant. Thus, it's wise to stay away from the lane's center. Similarly, corners often have loose sand, dirt, or gravel, which can make the road slippery. Always adjust your speed and look ahead for such dangerous spots to avoid accidents.

Animal Encounters

Animals, particularly deer, can pose a significant threat on the roads. As a lifelong deer hunter, I have a sixth sense for their behavior and movements. Deer act unpredictably and usually hug dense areas when crossing roads, which can be dangerous. If you see them bounding across an open field, it's best to either accelerate to avoid their path or slow down to time your pass around them. They are unpredictable and can run straight into you without trying to avoid you; they haven't evolved to understand motorbikes.

Dealing with Busy Streets and Traffic

Automobiles are the most dangerous obstacle for motorcyclists. Understanding how to deal with them is crucial. Areas with the most traffic or dense flow, such as rush hour, are the most dangerous. Car drivers are focused on avoiding each other, finding a gap in traffic, and only have a limited view of their surroundings. When a car is making a left turn, the driver's focus may be on a large vehicle rather than a motorbike.

Choosing Safe Routes

Opt for rural areas, mountains, winding river roads, or national parks when possible. Rural roads generally have fewer vehicles, making them safer. Freeways with limited access, no left turns, or intersections have fewer opportunities for accidents. When riding, maintain a safe distance from other drivers and be aware of large vehicles that can block your view. Personal experience shows that 75% of accidents occur in urban environments during rush hour, and the majority are caused by automobiles making left turns unexpectedly.

Statistical Insights

Over a million motorcycle miles and six decades of riding, only five accidents have occurred, all in urban environments during rush hour. The first accident involved a car changing lanes unexpectedly, and the second was a high-speed collision with a police chase car. Each accident resulted from different scenarios, but they were all preventable with better situational awareness and cautious driving habits.

Conclusion

To ensure safe and enjoyable rides, always stay informed about your surroundings, understand potential hazards, and choose the safest routes and times for your commute. By adopting these tips, you can significantly reduce your risk of motorbike accidents and enjoy the freedom and fun of motorcycling.

Keywords: motorbike safety, accident avoidance, motorcycling tips