10 Ways to Be Safe on a Motorcycle

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Mon Apr 11, 2005 2:52 am

10 Ways to Be Safe on a Motorcycle
Motorcycle Safety From Walter Kern,

1.) Assume Drivers Can't See You: Ride assuming that you and your motorcycle are totally invisible to motorists. That means you must never assume that drivers can see you. The odds are, they can't so believe it yourself and always have an "out" for dangerous traffic situations.

2.) Maintain Safe Spacing: Leave plenty of space in front and back and to the sides from all other vehicles. Be an island. Stay away from traffic as much as possible. This gives you more visibility and more time to react to situations.

3.) Anticipate Trouble: Anticipate trouble situations and know what to do when you see them. Analyze what vehicles are doing and try to predict the outcome. Then make sure you're ready to avoid a bad traffic situation.

4.) Beware of Oncoming Left Turners: Beware of oncoming motorists turning left in front of you at intersections. This is the leading cause of death of motorcycle riders. I'm deadly serious here. I have personally lost many friends to this accident. If you only remember one tip here, let it be this one. Slow down before you enter an intersection. Have an escape route planned. Stay visible. Don't travel too close to cars in front of you. Position your bike so it can be seen by the left turner. Eye contact is not enough.

5.) Ride Your Own Ride: Don't try to keep up with your friends who may be more experienced. Know your personal limits. Ride your own ride.

6.) Watch Out for Curves: Beware of taking curves that you can't see around. A parked truck or a patch of sand may be awaiting you.

7.) Don't Give In to Road Rage: Do not give in to road rage and try to "get even" with another rider or motorist. If you follow these tips, most likely you won't fall victim to road rage. It's better to calm down, slow down, and collect your thoughts first. Then continue on and enjoy the ride. That's what we're all out there for in the first place.

8.) Don't allow Tailgating: If someone is tailgating you, either speed up to open more space or pull over and let them pass. Life is too short. Remember that a bike can stop faster than a car so you don't want a truck on your tail when you find yourself trying to brake to avoid an accident. Also, don't tailgate the vehicle in front of you. Oncoming drivers can't see you.

9.) Don't Be Blinded by Sunglare: Beware of riding your motorcycle into sun glare. All it takes is turning a corner and finding the sun either directly in your face or passing straight through your windshield. Some helmets have shields to block the sun. Face shields help somewhat. But sometimes you just find yourself blinded by the light. Slow down, pull over, shield your eyes and look for a way to change direction.

10.) Avoid Riding at Night: Avoid riding at night, especially late Saturday night and early Sunday when drunken drivers may be on the road. It goes without saying that you shouldn't drink and ride. Going bar hopping? Leave the bike at home and find a designated driver.

Mag7C · #2 Unread post by **Mag7C** » Wed Apr 20, 2005 2:52 pm

I love night rides.

#3 Unread post by **Skier** » Wed Apr 20, 2005 9:33 pm

me wrote: I love night rides.

It's statistically the worst time to ride, though. :/ Friday and Saturday nights the worst, of course.

Ladymx · #4 Unread post by **Ladymx** » Thu Apr 21, 2005 5:55 am

There are more accidents with motorcycles on Sunday then any other day here.

Roger61 · #5 Unread post by **Roger61** » Mon Apr 25, 2005 12:55 pm

May I add my 2 cents worth? Whenever you are coming up to an intersection where a vehicle has to cross your path to get in the lane, when the person looks your way, turn your headlight on to highbeam...I personally have done this and have seen the vehicle lerch to a stop, if I didn't do it the car would have pulled out in front of me. I was told that by turning my headlight onto highbeam, it makes me "bigger", therefore I'm more likely to be seen.

liablemtl · #6 Unread post by **liablemtl** » Mon Apr 25, 2005 5:02 pm

Roger61 wrote:May I add my 2 cents worth? Whenever you are coming up to an intersection where a vehicle has to cross your path to get in the lane, when the person looks your way, turn your headlight on to highbeam...I personally have done this and have seen the vehicle lerch to a stop, if I didn't do it the car would have pulled out in front of me. I was told that by turning my headlight onto highbeam, it makes me "bigger", therefore I'm more likely to be seen.

I always ride with my highbeam on... my next purchase will be a headlight modulater. I rode my buddy's concours a while back. His headlight modulator seemed to make a big difference in getting the cager's attention.

Abner · #7 Unread post by **Abner** » Wed Apr 27, 2005 2:40 pm

I always ride with my highbeam on... my next purchase will be a headlight modulater. I rode my buddy's concours a while back. His headlight modulator seemed to make a big difference in getting the cager's attention.

I have a headlight modulator and won't ride without one. It's hardwired to the highbeam and has a sensor that automatically stops modulating at night or when you go into a tunnel or any dark area.

jetmech727 · Thu Apr 28, 2005 8:23 am

Where would one find a headlight Modulator. Toronto are here.

#9 Unread post by **cb360** » Thu Apr 28, 2005 10:00 am

Anyone know if tjhose headlight modulators work on old bikes?

Specifically a 74 honda cb360 - I'm not sure how they work. My bike is old enough that I actually have to turn on the headlight manually so I figured I'd see if someone with an old bike has used one. Seems like a good idea.

Keyoke · #10 Unread post by **Keyoke** » Sat Apr 30, 2005 5:48 am

I only flick on to high beam when there is nothing coming towards me - i know what it's like to be "dazzled" by on oncoming rider/driver who has not dipped their lights. This is not something i am going to inflict on others! I suppose the headlight modulator would do a similar thing - but at least with it flashiong, it won't be a consistent glare. Even so, i don't think I'll be fitting one myself....