Riding a motorcycle is an exhilarating experience-feeling the horsepower of the bike beneath you, the wind blowing around you-there is nothing else quite like it. It is just you and the open highway. The thrill does not come without danger, however, as motorcycle accidents are actually far more catastrophic than car crashes. The likelihood of suffering a traumatic head injury or perishing in motorcycle accidents is increased because the biker has nothing to absorb the force of the crash but his or her body. In an instant the thrill of just you and the open highway becomes the horror of just you and the pavement. Motorcycle accidents can be singularly catasrophic.
There are ways of protecting yourself. Intelligent bikers wear helmets and other protective gear to minimize injuries in the event of motorcycle accidents. They also observe good motorcycle maintenance and familiarize themselves with the hazards peculiar to motorcyclists. These things do not negate the possibility of motorcycle accidents occurring, naturally, but knowledge can be helpful in averting many crashes.
Motorcycle maintenance can cut down on your chances of being in motorcycle accidents. While it is important to maintain a car or truck, it is doubly vital to keep a motorcycle in excellent running condition. As motorcycles are inherently less stable than four wheeled vehicles, their tires should receive careful attention. Make sure they are always in straight alignment, and be wary of tire damage or wear. Brakes should be checked often, as should any lights on your bike.
On the highway, motorcyclists should look for road conditions which would not hinder a car but which would launch a bike spinning all over the place. Potholes, loose pebbles, speed bumps, and salt or sand used for melting ice can result in deadly motorcycle accidents. Debris like shreds of tires or trash from the bed of a truck can also be hazardous. Oil and other spilled liquids can be a real skating rink for a motorcycle, too.
Finally, weather can be problematic. Aside from being miserable to ride in, fog, snow, downpours, and ice can be far more deadly to motorcyclists than drivers. For one thing, bad weather make it difficult for drivers to see you. They also limit your ability to see other vehicles and any existing road hazards. The number of deadly motorcycle accidents goes up in bad weather.
By all means, indulge your love of the open road, but before you ride, arm yourself with the know how to avoid motorcycle accidents.
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