You are in: Motorcyclists

10 tips to help motorcyclists stay safe

The following 10 tips should help you stay safer on your powered two wheeler:

1. Assume drivers can't see you
Ride as though you and your machine are totally invisible to drivers - and never assume drivers can see you. The odds are they can't (or won't) so believe it yourself and always have an 'out' for dangerous traffic situations.

2. Maintain safe spacing
Leave plenty of space in front, behind and to the sides of other vehicles. Be an island - stay away from traffic as much as possible. This improves your visibility - and gives you more time to react to situations.

3. Anticipate trouble
Anticipate potentially troublesome situations like junctions - and know what to do when you see them. Analyse what other vehicles/drivers/riders are doing and, if in doubt, hang back - don't get in their way. They may do something you really didn't expect. Always make sure you're ready to avoid a bad outcome.

4. Be aware of right turners
Be aware of motorists turning right in front of you - this is the leading cause of death among powered two wheel riders. Slow down before you approach a junction, have an escape route planned - and stay visible. Don't travel too close to the car in front of you. Position your bike so the right turner can see it - eye contact is not enough.

5. Always wear protective clothing
The best solution is to avoid a crash or collision in the first instance. But if you are involved in one, the right protective clothing can minimise the extent of your injuries - especially serious grazes, cuts and burns caused by skidding along the road surface.

6. Watch out for bends
Take extra care when taking a bend that you cannot see around - a parked car or patch of sand may be just around the corner

7. Take advanced rider training
No matter how experienced or careful you are, advanced rider training will improve the way in which you ride - and increase your chances of riding safely, and thus avoiding a crash or collision. For further information about Bikesafe in Essex contact Essex County Council on 0845 6037631 or go to www.essexcc.gov.uk.

8. Don't give in to road rage
Don't try and 'get even' with another rider or driver. It's better to calm down, slow down and collect your thoughts before continuing with your ride.

9. Don't allow tailgating
If someone is tailgating you, pull over and let them pass. A bike can stop faster than a car or lorry, so you don't want another vehicle on your tail in case you have to brake to avoid a crash. And don't tailgate the vehicle in front of you - if they brake suddenly you will run out of time. Also, being too close when following another vehicle means oncoming vehicles won't see you.

10. Maintain your machine
Regular maintenance will help keep your machine safe and roadworthy. Keep records of when you replace tyres, chains, clutch cables, batteries, brakes etc and inspect them regularly - you don't want equipment failure to contribute to a long stay in hospital - or worse.

Back to: Motorcyclists