Arizona has many scenic routes that are prime locations for motorcycle enthusiasts. If you like to hop on a bike and go for a ride on a bright, sunny day, you’ll want to learn more about how to stay safe on your bike. In addition to adhering to all traffic laws, you may be able to avoid personal injury by keeping five additional tips in mind.
Even if you are cautious and alert while operating a motorcycle, you cannot control the actions of other motorists. Every time you head out on the highway, there’s an inherent risk. However, the more diligently you practice safety tips, the less likely you might be to become involved in a collision.
Take a motorcycle safety course to avoid personal injury
To stay safe on a motorcycle, you need proper training and education. Many people make the mistake of thinking that because they know how to drive a car, they can operate a motorcycle, as well. In fact, the two activities are quite different, and knowing how to do one doesn’t necessarily mean you’re ready to do the other.
Several motorcycle safety organizations provide courses to help bikers improve roadway safety. While such courses are not required to obtain your motorcycle license, it is advisable to enroll in a course to optimize safety on Arizona highways or anywhere else you might travel on your bike.
Wear a helmet even if Arizona law doesn’t require it
You are safest while riding a motorcycle when you wear a helmet. Arizona law only requires motorcycle helmets for riders who are ages 17 and under. Just because you are not legally required to wear a helmet, doesn’t mean you should go without, especially if safety is your primary goal.
Check your motorcycle before each ride
If you inspect your motorcycle one day before riding, is it safe to go for a ride the next day without inspecting your bike? Many riders make the mistake of thinking it’s okay, but you can better avoid personal injury if you run a thorough check of your motorcycle before every ride. Even if you’re traveling at a low speed, a mechanical failure can lead to a collision that results in serious, or, perhaps, fatal injuries.
Avoid other motorists’ blind spots
Just because you can see a driver in front of you on an Arizona highway, doesn’t necessarily mean the driver sees you on your motorcycle. There are blind spots that can totally conceal you and your bike from another driver’s view. Learn more about the safest way to position your bike in a traffic lane to avoid blind spots.
It also helps improve safety to make yourself as visible as possible by wearing high-visibility clothing or adding reflective materials to your bike frame. Always drive defensively and assume that other drivers can’t see you.
A recap of motorcycle safety tips
The following list shows the five safety tips mentioned in this blog that can help you avoid personal injury while riding a motorcycle in Arizona or beyond:
- Adhere to traffic laws at all times.
- Take motorcycle safety courses periodically.
- Wear a helmet.
- Inspect your bike before each ride.
- Make yourself as visible as possible.
If another vehicle hits you, and you suffer injury, obtaining medical attention is the top priority. State law allows a recovering accident victim to seek restitution for damages if driver negligence was a causal factor in the collision.
