You’ve always wanted to own a motorcycle, but never pulled the trigger. Now, you find yourself the proud owner of a hog, but are a bit nervous about your first ride alone on the roads of the Lehigh Valley. You can prepare yourself for your inaugural ride by following some of the safety tips for novice riders outlined here.
The first thing you should do before going for a ride, no matter how many times you’ve ridden the bike, is inspect it for any issues. Make sure there are no problems with the tires, that the fluid levels are topped off, that the brakes are working properly and that all of the lights are working properly.
Buy yourself some protective equipment and reflective clothing. Always wear a helmet, even though it’s not the law in Pennsylvania. Wear clothing that covers your extremities in order to avoid road rash in the event of an accident. Wear a reflective vest even during the daylight hours and always wear closed-toed shoes.
Obey all of the rules of the road and the speed limit. Do not weave in and out of traffic, even if it is at a dead standstill. The more you obey the rules, the less of a chance it is that you will be involved in an accident.
Teach yourself to be a defensive driver. This is best done by never assuming other vehicles will see you on the roads. Leave yourself plenty of room and always make eye contact with other drivers.
Motorcycle safety should always be the number one priority of all those who own bikes. You cannot guarantee that others on the road around you will practice safety though. An experienced Lehigh Valley motor vehicle accidents attorney can explain your rights if you’ve been injured in an accident.
Source: Geico, “Motorcycle Safety Riding Tips,” accessed Aug. 11, 2017