Motorcycle Safety – Is It Time To Change Colors

When it comes to motorcycle safety, the biggest problem does not relate to the biker’s behavior, but more often than not, it has to do with the negligent driving of other vehicles where the drivers are oblivious to the biker’s presence. As a result, most cycle riders are now taking extra precautions while on the road to insure that their presence is not only detected, but obvious.

For example, there is a long standing tradition that motorcyclists wear black leather. This is not just a fashion statement, but leather has several features that benefit the rider, from comfort to safety. But if motorcycle safety is going to be a greater factor in the life of the biker, wearing clothing that is easily seen is a must.
Now, that doesn’t mean that you have to get rid of all of the black leather, it simply means that you should pimp your bike out with greater reflective devices, and maybe even have brighter colored logos or insignias on your jacket. Try some reflector tape on the base of your helmet.

Another consideration for motorcycle safety is the biker’s ability to see while on the road. Two thirds of all accidents involve vehicles that are in the motorcyclist’s blind spots, namely at the one, two, ten, and eleven o’clock positions. Always glance over your shoulder before moving into another lane. Also, stay out of the other vehicle’s blind spot that is ahead of you. The data shows that half of all collisions reviewed also involved drivers being temporarily blinded by glare as well as visual obstructions caused by other vehicles. Make sure you are wearing polarized sunglasses, even during the winter, when snow reflection can reduce visibility. It hardly should be said that approaching intersections, especially those without control lights or signs, should be done with a purely defensive attitude. Demanding the right of way in exchange for your life or limb is senseless.

The motorcycle safety of every rider can be compromised by recklessness or incompetence. Do not over-break on curves, slow down when the roads are wet to avoid hydroplaning, and stay off the roads when you are drowsy. Don’t be driving with a bike that leaks oil – you are only creating an oil slick for yourself. Not only will that cause slide-outs, but fuel fires during a crash. Having said that, it is also interesting to note that only 3% of accidents are attributed to mechanical failure, while the majority of single vehicle wipeouts were the result of motorcyclists losing control when a tire blows. With that in mind, a cyclist should always be checking his or her tires for punctures or damage. A quick check can save your life.

So motorcycle safety includes all of those things mentioned above, plus the application of good old common sense. Have fun, but ride safe and ride free.

By: Angela Ryder

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