Safety
Tips for Motorcycle Riders
Safety
is always important whatever vehicle you’re driving,
but if you are a motorcycle rider you will face additional
dangers. Bike riders have their own hazards to face. Car drivers
are at risk from their own careless driving as well as that
of other people, but they are cocooned in a protective metal
casing.
Motorbike riders don’t have this protection, and should
bear in mind that they are especially vulnerable to the car
driver’s blind spots and some drivers just don’t
consider motorcycles. People open doors when you’re
approaching them, they fail to allow you enough space when
you’re indicating right and some car drivers think of
you as a nuisance rather than as another road user. But you
should not react badly as any anger can cloud your judgement.
This
is partly why the criteria for motorcycle riders is so stringent.
As soon as you’ve passed your bike test you are ‘on
probation’ for two years as you become accustomed to
your bike. If you pick up six points on your driving license
during this time you will become a learner again and will
need to re-apply for your provisional license. You will have
to take both practical and theory tests again and start as
a beginner.
The
thing you must bear in mind once you’re on the road
is that just to survive you have to be better than all the
car drivers around you. The Government’s current Think!
Campaign highlights these points for motorbike riders. You
need to anticipate what motorists are about to do, you must
always be alert and observant , you must ride at a speed that
enables you to slow down in advance of any trouble, watch
your position; the middle of the lane is the best place as
car drivers are more likely to see you and give you room,
always watch for potential hazards while overtaking and check
for hazards over your shoulder before manoeuvring.
Your
helmet colour is very important and with bright colours you
will be seen. The safest motorcycle clothing will carry the
CE mark and it needs to be fluorescent during the day and
reflective at night to give you the best chance of being seen.
Weatherproofing also isn’t just for comfort it’s
an aid to your concentration.
You
are also vulnerable to thieves. Thatcham approved padlocks
and chains will help secure your bike and also be visible
to would-be thieves.
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