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…even when you’ve been riding for years. Yeah, you probably have your motorcycle license. And let’s hope you already know how to ride. But have you given deep thought to how you’re going to keep riding for years to come without causing injury to yourself or others?

Motorcycle Safety 101

Perhaps you’ve already been riding for years and you may think you know all there is to know about riding a motorcycle. Many old time riders learned from their buddies how to ride or taught themselves to ride. But one look at motorcycle crash statistics will tell you it never hurts to take refresher course. A motorcycle safety course is a good start. Not only will the course cover the basics and fundamentals of riding safety, after you take it, you may even qualify for a discount on your motorcycle insurance. Check with your insurance carrier to find out.

Helmet Hair

Whether you live in a state or country where it’s mandatory or not, wearing a helmet may be the easiest thing you do that provides the most protection from injury, or even worse, death.  A USA national statistic says that motorcycle riders are 37 times more likely to die than those riding in passenger vehicles. That statistic alone should encourage you to wear a helmet. Many of those deaths are due to severe head trauma or brain injury. No one wants to be responsible for injury to another rider, especially when it can be so easily avoided just by putting a helmet on. Make sure it’s DOT, Snell or ECE certified.

Darth Vader Gear

Aside from a helmet, there are many other components of proper safety gear to protect every part of your body in the event of an accident. A jacket made from abrasion-resistant material is key. Most of us would prefer a broken bone to a bad case of road rash. Accident statistics show that injuries to the lower half of the body account for half of all injuries suffered. Avoid becoming one of those statistics with pants made from leather or Kevlar, with padding in all the right places.

Keep it Running Smooth

We love our bikes and want to make sure they run properly, and to be safe to ride. A well-formed preventive maintenance schedule will keep your bike in good condition. Performing quick inspections every time you prepare to ride your bike is a good method to keeping safe. Checking tire pressure and making  sure the tires aren’t damaged. Also make sure that the lights work, and that everything is where it should be.

Being a responsible rider, and remember  that a motorcycle is a vehicle and not a toy are the final keys to staying safe when riding your motorcycle. Knowing you and your passenger are safe will allow you to enjoy riding all the more.