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Riding a motorcycle is inherently dangerous due to the fact that motorcycles only have two wheels and must be balanced or you’ll fall over. You are subject to changing weather conditions while on a motorcycle, and if you’re in an accident you stand a substantially better chance of being injured than if you were in a four-wheeled vehicle. That doesn’t mean you can’t be safe while on your bike, but you must exercise caution. Here are a few motorcycle safety tips you should follow every time you ride.

Wear a Helmet

Although it’s not mandatory in some states, wearing a helmet is encouraged for safety purposes while riding a motorcycle. Some riders feel that having a helmet on their head diminishes their ability to be at one with nature. They feel that a helmet keeps out important noises, such as a vehicle blowing their horn or the approach of a large truck or bus. However, if you do happen to take a tumble wearing a helmet will undoubtedly absorb a significantly greater amount of impact than your bare head. If you do opt for a helmet, or are required to by law, be sure it’s DOT approved. Full face helmets have proven to provide considerably more protection than an open face helmet or a ‘cap’ type helmet.

Drive Defensively

Because a motorcycle is much more dangerous to operate than it is to ride in a car or truck, you should make every effort to drive defensively. Although being aware of your surroundings and driving carefully is advisable under any circumstance, it’s exponentially more important to do so while riding your bike. Try and be aware of what’s around you at all times. Keep track of traffic, not only what’s coming at you, but what may be approaching from the rear or traveling alongside of you. Continuously glancing in your mirrors will help you know if a car or truck is in the next lane. Never rest your feet on ‘highway pegs.’ Instead, you should keep them on the foot pegs so you can use the brakes immediately, if necessary.

Keep Your Machine in Good Repair

It is important to make sure your machine is in good working order, no matter what you’re driving. On a motorcycle is even more important. Perform routine maintenance regularly to ensure your bike is operating efficiently. Check the brake fluid and brake pads every time you do a tire inspection, which should be at least once a week. Make sure the tires have the proper amount of air pressure, adequate tread, and even wear. Keep the clutch and brake cables properly adjusted and lubricated, and check the drive system when you check the tires and brakes.

Don’t Speed

Although it may be tempting, don’t exceed the speed limit. The freedom of riding a motorcycle seems to be enhanced by some people when they routinely pass traffic like it’s standing still. However, this is a dangerous practice. Riding a motorcycle can be a uniquely freeing experience, but going too fast is a primary cause of single-vehicle accidents. Instead, you should slow down and enjoy the ride.

Take a Motorcycle Safety Course

Operating a motorcycle isn’t like driving a car. It takes a great deal of concentration to be aware of your surroundings at all times, which is imperative on a bike. In order to do that efficiently and naturally, you should take a motorcycle safety course. The more training you have on your motorcycle the more confidence you’ll have when you’re operating it. A motorcycle safety course will teach you how to operate the vehicle, and provide you with the knowhow to meet emergency road conditions without hesitation.

Dress Appropriately

Because you’re out in the open on a motorcycle, you will be much more aware of changes in temperature than you are when you’re enclosed in a car or truck. Weather conditions are more noticeable. Sudden downpours of rain can not only make you uncomfortable, but can become distracting and possibly cause you to lose control of the motorcycle. You should wear the appropriate clothing, such as a jacket, gloves, and boots, and don’t forget to pack raingear. Dressing appropriately will not only help you enjoy the ride more, but will also provide some protection if you are in an accident.

Take Frequent Breaks

It would be a good idea to take frequent breaks while you’re riding. Long stints in the saddle can cause fatigue, and that can lead to inattention to what’s going on around you. Being well rested is more important when you’re riding a motorcycle than it is while you’re behind the wheel of a car, because a motorcycle demands more of your attention.

For more motorcycle safety tips, see MotorcycleInsurance.com.